Morris Minor Owners Club

My 1098 has been off the road for 6 months whilst I rebuilt the engine and took on an ever increasing amount of welding! Put the engine back in at the weekend and turned the key. at first the pump didn't tick so a quick tap with a hammer sorted that, but then it wouldnt stop!

No fuel was getting to the carb. I got the air line and blew back to the tank (from inlet side), no problem even had air under pressure hissing past the filler cap so I guess the fuel line is ok.

I put my thumb over the carb end of the hose and after a while the pump stopped. Did this on and off and managed to get fuel to come through but pretty sporadic spurts and couldnt get a steady flow. Eventually I got enough going and put the hose back on. Even got the car to run (a relief after my first ever rebuild) but when I turned the engine off and then turned the ignition back on the pump still ticks away and doesn't stop!

Could it have gummed up through lack of use and if so whats the best way to clean it? Or is there another likely cause?

Pump could be drawing air, worth checking the tightness of all fuel lines.
After that it's clean/adjust the pump points, check diaphram pull over point.

Check the little filter element in the base of the pump - may be clogged up with debris/gum after the lay-off.

not to sure about the hissing past the filer cap take the cap off and see if the pump delivers petrol. could be the vent in the cap is clogged.

Clogged vent won't affect the pump delivery until a decent amount of fuel has been consumed - a good 30 miles running I would say.

I did suck and blow tests on the pump and the inlet didnt shut off fully when I sucked! I replaced the inlet pipe and all clips, took the bottom off the pump and reseated the valves and rubbers. Put it back on and it works fine now. Must have been drawing air as suggested above.

Finished welding today too. Not sure if I should MOT or paint it next!

MOT - in case they need you to do more welding. Good luck with it!