[Mgs] On-Going Issues

[Dan DiBiase]

Ok, after a couple of weeks of inactively, I went back to the '76 B with '75 engine. As a reminder, I am having 2 issues
currently.

1) The car won't start. When I initially tried a couple of weeks ago, it started and ran well (albeit with a bit of a high idle). After
     some research, I determined that it might be the engine ground not set up properly. My car has the ground strap on the
     rear engine (trans) mount. I had connected it to the engine mount bolt properly, but it was only tucked in between the
     rubber mount and crossmember. So last night, I corrected that, attaching the end to the bolt for the rubber mount on the
     outside of the crossmember.

2) When the car did run, in preparation for a run around the block, I stepped on the brake pedal and the engine died. I'm assuming
     a vacuum leak and in fact there appears to be a small crack oin the vacuum hose from the brake booster to the manifold.

That's the background. Last night, after fixing the ground strap, I went to try the car. Battery is freshly charged, and when I turned
the key, the fuel pump starting making noise - not the normal clicking but kind of a loud hum. But there was gas in the filter, so I
decided to try it. Car turned over fine but then there was what appeared to be a 'flash' from under the dash (a brief burst of light) and
I let go of the key. There was NO burning smell and NO evidence of wires smoking or being fused. The pump continued to hum.
I did not try and start it again.

Here is what the pump sounds like - 

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/1976%20MGB%20Engine%20Work/?action=view&current=P9170036.flv

It isn't really as loud as it sounds but it is audible. I dsmacked it with a hammer, no change.

Any ideas on the pump and that 'flash'? I am going to check the battery ground cable and fuses tonight, but am looking for
ideas.

I'm not worrying about the vacuum leak until I get the car running.

 Dan D
Central NJ USA
'76 MGB Tourer
'65 MGB Tourer (Project)
NAMGBR #5-2328 
http://dans65b.blogspot.com/
http://dans76b.blogspot.com/
http://dansautoblog.blogspot.com/
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dibiase/Working_MG_Gallery.html