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MG MGB Technical - Fuel pump -repair or replace?

I wish to repair/replace the original fuel pump on my 71 Roadster, before it lets me down at an inconvenient moment. My options are:-

-Repair with SU service kit
-Replace with new SU pump as original
-Replace with new electronic SU pump

My sole objective is reliability. I am not contemplating fitting any other make of pump

I know this has often been discussed before, but there is no clear concensus

What should I do? Suggestions gratefully received

Tony
Tony

Tony-
Although the pump is rebuildable, I'd replace it with a new one as rebuilding only seems to delay the inevitable. I used the new pointless electronic SU pump to replace my failing old one and its been quite reliable. It even makes the same ticking sound like the original.
Steve S.

"Quite reliable" - what use is that? I *wouldn't* use the new electronic pumps. My V8 had one and it was getting so *un*reliable I reverted to the refurbished points type from my roadster. At least when they pack up (in 20 years time) you have a good chance of tapping it back into life again (BT, DT), with the electronic pumps you stand no chance (BT DT 2).

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Best of both worlds? Get a new pump, of either type, and a new set of points for the old one. Install the new one, refurbish the old one and carry it in the boot at all times. As long as you have it in the boot, you'll never need it. Remove it, even for a two-mile trip, and the new one will quit!!
Ken Lessig

Many thanks to Ken Paul and Steve for helpful advice. I shall therefore be replacing my pump with an original SU one - that is, unless I buy an electronic one!

May be one of you will be passing when I break down, and lend me their spare pump, and also show me how to change it without spilling the contents of the tank all over the road!

Thanks guys

Tony
Tony

To avoid syphoning fuel onto the road loosen the pipe onto the tank first. I've had my 67 B since 76 & done 197,000 miles on 3 pump rebuilds. The good thing about the original pump is as Paul sez - you can tap it back to life to get home did that for 20 miles the 2nd time it failed. Incidently you always get a warning that it going to fail -it dosn't tick first thing in the morning sometimes mine had been like that for a few days but I was to busy visiting a friend in Hospital so was nwaiting for the weekend. I also have replaced many electronic ones that havn't lasted long.
Garth
Garth Bagnall

As far as changing the pump goes I had to change mine by the roadside (left it one clonk with a hammer too many) and got no siphoning, but discovered how ratty the flex hoses were. Replaced those at home and had fuel siphoning all the time. Came to the conclusion that, even with the vented (spring-loaded valve) cap, there was enough vacuum in the tank immediately after driving the car to stop siphoning. Whereas in the garage, and having been standing for a while, it had dissipated (filled?). That was on a CB. On the RB (electrics end in the boot) the pump is higher up and the pump (at least) can be changed with very little syphoning if you keep everything as high as possible.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 21/11/2001 and 22/11/2001

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.