Fuel pump problem I think!

[Gel]

Hi,
It's me again, the guy who knows nothing but I'm learning the hard way!
I tried to start my MGB today but no joy!
I couldn't hear the ticking noise which I expect to hear from the fuel pump kicking in.
Is there an easy way to check if the pump is kaput and can it be repaired or is a replacement the only option?
Is it easy for a beginner to replace the pump?

A few weeks ago when I collected the car, it wouldn't start but the guy selling it found a disconnected wire on the coil which sorted the problem.
I checked all the the connections and they seem fine.

Thanks for the help!

 

[jlaird]

First hit the pump with a hammer, yep I said hammer. See if that will restart it. If not check that you have power to it.

Yep, they can be rebuilt if they are the orginial ones. Or can be replaced with aftermarket, but I would rebuild myself.

 

[R6MGS]

It's been a few years since I've last been into an original SU fuel pump...But if memory serves right, by removing the top cap you can gain access to most of the inards...I can usually get them to go again by cleaning contacts and making sure everything else is in good working order.

 

[jlaird]

Don't you think you might as well rebuild as long as it is removed and open?

 

[R6MGS]

sure, if ya got the time....Last time I had one of those open was about 10 years ago(yeah, I've been pretty lcuky so far) on my DD MGB in the middle of the winter(one of the coldest nights too). I was just glad to have it running again...Guess it's up to you if you want to completely rebuild or not....but it's not too difficult to remove anyway.

 

[David_DuBois]

Gel - Please use the handle of the hammer to hit the pump. The idea of hitting the pump is to jar the points loose if they are stuck together, not beat the thing into a bloody pulp. For a fuel delivery troubleshooting guide, go to: https://www.custompistols.com/cars/dave/ddFuelDeliveryTroubleshooting.htm
If your pump is in fact causing the problem, then it is ready for a rebuild. Rebuilding a SU fuel pump can be done by a layman with a pretty fair degree of success if the directions in the car's shop manual are followed exactly. If you opt for a new pump, either get an all electronic SU pump or one of the electronic after market pumps so that you get away from the points in the pumps, which are always a source of trouble as the pump ages or if the car sits unused for extended periods of time.
Good luck,

 

[Bruce74B]

Let's not be too hasty to pound on the pump if it isn't ticking...is there gas in the carbs? You said you went to start it and it wouldn't start, but if it was running OK when you shut if off, it should start and run a bit before it starves from lack of gas if the pump is not running. If you have a see-through in line filter under the hood, it is easy to see if there is gas under the hood. If not, I recommend that you get one and put it on and retry starting it. Maybe it is just my old ears, but I don't always hear my pump running when it is doing just fine.

That being said, please make sure you use the proper jack stand when crawling under the car. It is easy to get to if you plan to remove the RR tire. If you crawl under it and try to do it without removing the tire at first, then find it easier to get to that way and do it "half fast" without the proper jack stands, it is possible to end up holding the car up with your head or chest. I am willing to bet that more MGB injuries occur from working on the fuel pump than any other way...except MAYBE driving them.

Rant over...sorry, just very aware of this procedure's risks! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Good luck! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[jlaird]

He said it was not ticking.

 

[Gel]

Thanks Guys,
Got it sorted, just a bad earth. Same with my indicators. I'm learning!