Fuel pump problem

Post by **Mike Shipman** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 2:49 pm

Hi - Went to start Benny today - he fired up then went dead after a few seconds...i couldnt hear the fuel pump clicking so I guess that could be the problem. Ive heard that people have given it a whack with a hammer to get it going (!?

), is that right or folklore?.
If so - is there anywhere special to hit it ? and....how hard?.
Finally, if this does get it going, does it mean I need to replace it?
Thanks all!.
Mike

Post by **sgray** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 3:29 pm

It's not folklore that you can get it going by hitting it - though a rubber mallet might be better.
I'm a complete beginner but I managed to renew the points and gaskets in mine last week and so far it seems much happier. It was a lot less expensive than replacing the pump.

Post by **MarkyB** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:23 pm

Just don't hit the plastic bit.
A hammer isn't necessary, a tap with a spanner or the starting handle will do.

Post by **stevey** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:28 pm

if you take the bakelite cover off and clean the points it might help things a bit.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 5:14 pm

a tap with your hand works well check the filter at the bottom of the pump is not full of gunge,undo the brass nut at the bottom .

Post by **Mike Shipman** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:49 pm

Thanks for the replies - decided to replace and have ordered a new one from ESM.

Post by **cadetchris** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:26 pm

i would of just checked the points and given them a clean with a bit of fine grade sand paper,
if not, then get the passenger to give the bulkhead a kick every 30 seconds of so, i managed to drive 50 miles whilst kicking the bulkhead and driving at the same time

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:00 pm

Hope you didn't order an 'electronic' one ! You should get a spare set of points and fit them to your old one - and carry it as a spare.

Post by **Mike Shipman** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:14 pm

Hi Roy - nearly did...but then thought if I change up to an alternator I'd need to change again so went with the "old" type. I will indeed get the existing one sorted out and keep as a spare.
Thanks again!!

Post by **Mike Shipman** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:47 pm

Well it may not be earth shattering but im pretty chuffed....
having "diagnosed" (OK... guessed!) it was the fuel pump at fault, I bought a replacement, removed the old one, fitted the new one and WOOHOO

...Benny lives again!
he fired up and kept going...
Yes Im chuffed - my first ever repair all on my lonesome!

Mike (aged 52 and 3/4s)

Post by **RogerRust** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:12 pm

I've just overhauled a fuel pump. I find it really satisfying for some reason. A set of new points and careful reference to the manual and that's it for another 20 years. Takes about an hour to do it and get it back on the car.

Out of interest the later pump on the MG has a capacitor under the cover across the points. I guess it reduces the arcing at the points and makes them last longer. The bakelite cover has a recess in it to accommodate the capacitor.

There is so little to go wrong with the pump I can never understand why anyone doesn't just overhaul it and pop it back on.

Oh well perhaps you can refurb the old one and keep it as a spare.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:35 pm

thats what i did roger it sits in .the boot