MGB 1979 MGB NEWBIE fuel tank replacement

[prc]

REPLACING GAS TANK

I just got this car and never worked on a british car before. The fuel that remains stinks like varnish. Is there a fuel pump in the tank?
There is one wire hanging down but two spade connectors on the tank, what are they for?
Like I said, I am new to the British world. What else do I have to know in changing the tank?

Thanks, paul

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Welcome to the Forum, Paul.

The two terminals on the tank are for the gauge sending unit. One is "hot" and the other is ground. If the wire you mentioned is green with a black stripe, that's your hot wire. The other terminal needs to be run to a ground.

The fuel pump's original location was under the car, just next to the battery box, in front of the tank, on the right side. At some point, it was moved the the boot (trunk), and I'm not sure when that was. You'll see it if it's there.

Changing the tank is pretty simple - though it helps to have five or six hands - to hold the tank up while threading nuts and bolts! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Good luck!

Mickey

 

[screenprinter]

My 2 cents worth - If you're planning to drop the tank and clean it out be sure you pump out or drain the gas that's in it, and then for safety sake fill the tank up with watr and soap, let it sit for an hour or so , drain/pump the water out and drop the tank - I use a trolley jack and a 4x4 when I work on mine -

I wouldn't attempt to drop the thing without the soap and water routine- if you just empty the gas out it's way more dangerous than even if it's full of gas - huge molotov cocktail waiting to bring smoke on your butt!

 

[Steve]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif Good advice.......be very careful. Everything on your MGB is pretty straightforward and easy to work on, just a little "different". On the '79, the fuel pump was in the trunk, on the right side in the bottom below the bulkhead. It should be protected by a black-painted steel "box". Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

 

[prc]

Ok guys thanks, so the level sending unit is mounted on the right side of tank and the fuel pump is in the trunk on right side, Great.
Now where is the fuel filter located?
I have a new tank to install so there is no issue with cleaning the old one.
I can see this car is going to be allot of fun, with your help I'm sure. Thanks again guys for your help.

So where can I get a good manual (wiring and mechanical), is there any on disc to download?

paul

 

[NutmegCT]

Paul - on my 76 B there are two fuel filters. One on the fuel line leading from the firewall to the carb, the other just after the fuel pump, between the fuel tank and the fuel line under the car. Just fwiw, the filter looks like a small whitish cartridge - you can usually see the filter element inside.

There's really no magic manual that I know of which covers everything MGB all in one spot. A good start might be the technical and reference pages at mgbexperience.com:

https://mgbexperience.com/technical.php

Be careful when dropping the tank, even if you plan to toss it out. The lacquer and vapors might still be flammable (or explosive ....).

hth
Tom

 

[screenprinter]

Be careful when dropping the tank, even if you plan to toss it out. The lacquer and vapors might still be flammable (or explosive ....).

Amen Brother Thom!!

hth
Tom

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[Steve]

Haynes publish a good manual, and you might also take a look at Lindsay Porter's "Guide to Purchase and DIY Restoration of the MGB".