Classic/Antique Car Repair: Fuel pump 67 mg midget, electric fuel pumps, emery cloth

Question

--I bought a su fuel pump which is dual polarity, it will work on negative or positive ground.-----------------------

Followup To

Question -
I have a 1967 midget,  I changed out the fuel pump with a new one.  When i put it in I cant seem to get the fuel pump to work.  When i disconnect the wires to the fuel pump and touch the ends it seems i get a good spark, when it is hooked all up it doesnt seem to get a good spark?

Answer -
Hi Marko,
What kind of fuel pump did you get? Make sure you didn't cross the wires as some electric fuel pumps have a diode in them so they can't be connected backwards.
The original pump for a 67 Midget was an "SU" brand pump.
Howard

Answer
The SU pump is notorious for sticking when it sets for a long time so try this,
Connect a ground wire to the spade that is mounted on the base of the pump and connect a hot wire (12v) to the spade connection on the plastic cover then hit the pump on the metal base with either a plastic hammer or a block of wood. Try that several times. Be careful not to hit the plastic cover end, hit only the metal base end. This is best done with the pump off of the car. If the pump does not start clicking rapidly, you should contact the company you bought it from. If it was a used pump and you can't return it you may be able to fix it by removing the plastic cover and cleaning the contact points with emery cloth or a points file. If you do that and it only clicks once or twice and will not keep running you still may be able to fix it by taking it apart and readjusting the contact points. If you want to do that contact me at longez8@bellsouth.net and I will write out the procedure via e-mail.
Howard