Morris Minor Owners Club

Just wondered how fast a pump should click on normal tickover speed?
Having stripped the interior and red leaded the floor yesterday, I had the engine running up to temp; while I was inside the car.. I noticed the pump seemed to be a constant steady tick, is this normal ???? I know the MG fuel pump ticks at half the speed and that's supplying twin carbs... I've had no probs and it's done a fair few miles in my ownership, just basically wondered if everyone elses seems as fast.........
thanks Mal

It depends on temperature - it will tick slightly faster on a hot day.
I would guess once every 3 seconds upto 6 seconds would be normal.
If it ticks as fast as once a second (when engine is warm and at idle without the choke) you may have an air leak or a leaking diaphragm in the pump.
Does it contineue to tick even when the engine is off?

Hi Ray,
The pump in question ticks at about 2-3 second intervals, I've heard it whilst driving but never really took a great deal of notice. It was only while I was working inside the car the other day, with the engine running and up to temp; with the choke off that I really noticed it. No.. it don't run on when the engine is stopped. I've had no bother with it and everything seems to be working perfect. I did have the MG running shortly afterwards and at normal temp; with choke in that was ticking at about 9 secs.... that's what made me queery the speed of the pump.
I am just wondering whether to invest in a new pump and carry it as a spare, what's your views on electronic or points ??
thanks Mal

Mal on tickover I would expect a slower tick than you are getting but if its working fine.....
As for electronic against points, you can get replacement points for the pump but as they seem to last a long time anyway I dont know if one is better than the other, I am of course only talking about the genuine SU type and not the dreadful Hardi type.

Every 2-3 seconds shouldn't be enough to worry about, assuming you have normal fuel consumption. Much faster rates usually indicate an air leak (as Ray said) or a virtually empty fuel tank.

Just checked the Hardi pump on my standard 1098cc 1963 Traveller after a 60 mile trip. Does 13 strokes in 2 minutes ie about 1 stroke in 9 seconds. (Haven't tested it when the engine's not turning which would give the "internal leakage" back though its own valves which would subtract from its actual forward pumping.) Wouldn't expect a tick every 2-3 secs like Chris's ie 15-20 per min - mine would be doing 25 -30 mph at that rate! Gotta counter fitted you see! (Am I turning into a nerd?) Mike N.

if it aint broke then don`t fix it

The Moggy runs very well and has no probs; cruising at 70.. climbing 3-1 hills etc; can't smell petrol or see any leaks so I'm just wondering if I should leave well alone......... still baffling though why it's ticking so fast.
Think I may invest in a new one to carry as spare, what views on electronic v points ?????
thanks Mal

Mal, you really only need to worry when the clicking noise stops - I would find something else to worry about. Most fuel pumps can be coaxed back to life if they stop so a spare will probably be a waste of money. Much better to invest in a spare service kit, fuses and a fanbelt.

Chris.... thanks for your concern, I'm not worried about the fuel pump but just wondered if it was the norm, for a Moggy pump to click that fast as the MG one is a lot slower...having said that, the pump on the MG did stop working last year and let me down on the way back from a show... a good thump and it was ok.. cleaned points and all's well....
I do keep my cars in tip top condition and don't need to invest in a service kit I replaced everything when I bought the car last year... some of the distances I go over the moors I don't tempt fate,
Mal

I do keep my cars in tip top condition and don't need to invest in a service kit

That comment may return to haunt you Mal! There's been a lot of people let down in recent years by poor quality new parts such as rotor arms, condensors, dizzy caps and coils. I wouldn't dream of doing a long distance drive without carrying each of these (mainly previously used ones which I know will work).

I wouldn't dream of doing a long distance drive without carrying each of these (mainly previously used ones which I know will work).

Don't worry Chris every part I take off go's in the boot as spare plus extras, so I know they all work... my mates say you could build a car with what I carry..... sods law though-- one day I'll break down and not have the appropriate part with me....



Mal [/img]

Classy pic, Mal!
a

mal

I like that ...

This one's better Chris...if it works
mal

Great suspension on that car mal.
Back to the subject this is the type of pump (in case you have not seen one) to avoid as quite a few of us on here have had unhappy experiences with them due to reliability problems, also note they only have a 3 month Guarentee.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 23094&rd=1

Great suspension on that car mal.

Hydrolastic oh! that's on another post......
Looks as though everyone's not happy with modern day replacements?
Just been out in the garage sorting through boxs of old stuff and come across a three month old su pump I say three months old but I remember taking this off my late fathers Morris 1100 when he scrapped it back in 1972 I think I might investigate the possibility of refurbishing it as I would think all the seals etc; would be perished by now....... anyone ever done this ???
Mal