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Re: Old SU electric fuel pump sticks

To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Old SU electric fuel pump sticks
From: Chip Old <fold@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us>
Date: Sat, 6 Apr 1996 15:32:18 -0500 (EST)
On Sat, 6 Apr 1996, Robert J. Donahue wrote:

> Before I start my MG-TD, I have to tap on the fuel pump to get it started. I
> know this is a common problem. (Had the same SU fuel pump on a 64 Sabb 96 way
> back when.) I have burnished the contacts, but that didn't help. Does anybody
> know which part of the pump needs replacement/cleaning/lubrication? I'd like
> to fix the old pump if possible. The new replacement pumps are rather salty.

Sounds like the rocker assembly isn't adjusted correctly, or the diaphragm
has stiffened with age.  Either will prevent the rocker assembly from full
"over center" action, which in turn prevents the points from opening and
closing correctly.

If it were my pump, I'd order a new point set and a new diaphragm and
rebuild it.  It's a bit fiddly if you've never done it before, but not
really very difficult once you understand how the pump works.  Section "B"
of the TD/TF workshop manual covers it in detail, as do most third party
MG repair manuals.

If you decide it's more than you want to deal with yourself, get in touch
with Lawrie Rhoads, 7 Knollwood Road, Medford, MA 02052, (508) 359-2077.
Lawrie can rebuild your pump or sell you a rebuilt pump outright.  I don't
know what his prices are like because I rebuild my own, but he's been
doing it for a long time and I've never heard any complaints about his
work.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chip Old                      1948 M.G. TC  TC6710  NEMGTR #2271
Cub Hill, Maryland            1962 Triumph TR4  CT3154LO (daily driver)
fold@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us

If cars had evolved as fast as computers have, by now they'd cost a
quarter, run for a year on a half-gallon of gas, and explode once a day.



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