Problem starting (fuel pump?)

[tonicaek]

Hey guys,

Now, it has to be said, I'm an absolute newbie when it comes to cars.. After a year and half sat on my drive waiting for me to pass my driving test, I can finally get my moggie ready for the road. However, I'm sorry to say, I've neglected the poor thing over winter and haven't started him up in a good six months..

After buying him a shiny new battery, I started him to find he turns over, but doesn't fire up. I've been through all the spark plugs, found them working just fine, made sure he had petrol and even tried a push start, but all to no avail. When turning him over we could smell a slight whiff of petrol, so assumed the fuel pump was working as it should, but later located a lack of petrol being fed to the engine and came to the conclusion the issue was undoubtedly the fuel pump. Would this be a matter of replacing it, or would it be down to the fact the car hasn't been started in a while and just needs a good cleaning up?

Also, given the fact he's been sat for so long, what else would you suggest I should give a good looking at before attempting an MOT?

Thanks!
T

[linearaudio]

If the pump isn't clicking when you switch the ignition on, then that is your problem. A quick clean of the points with emery paper will have it going again. A swift tap on the side of the pump will often persuade it to start working again, but should only be seen as a stop-gap cure!

[tonicaek]

No sound whatsoever from the pump. Will certainly try your suggestion come the morning.
Guess I should start looking for a new pump sometime soon then!

[linearaudio]

No sound whatsoever from the pump. Will certainly try your suggestion come the morning.
Guess I should start looking for a new pump sometime soon then!

No! Just clean the contacts in your existing one, it will go on for years and that was intended maintenance in the design of the pump!

[tonicaek]

Oh - you were referring to the tap on the side as a stop gap cure?
Superb - thank you!

[linearaudio]

[bmcecosse]

If it has been standing all that time - outdoors - through the winter, then there is every chance the brakes will all be seized on, especially if the handbrake was left ON! The clutch plate may also be 'frozen' to the flywheel - and the tyres may be flat-spotted. It was a v BAD idea to leave it there unmoved all that time! If any doubt about petrol - just get some fresh petrol and pour an egg cup full into the carb inlet - and then crank up the engine.

[tonicaek]

If it has been standing all that time - outdoors - through the winter, then there is every chance the brakes will all be seized on, especially if the handbrake was left ON! The clutch plate may also be 'frozen' to the flywheel - and the tyres may be flat-spotted. It was a v BAD idea to leave it there unmoved all that time! If any doubt about petrol - just get some fresh petrol and pour an egg cup full into the carb inlet - and then crank up the engine.

Tyres have been replaced, two of them were on their way out when I bought him. Brakes are also absolutely fine, although I've no idea about the clutch plate. I realise how grave an error leaving him was, now!