MG Car Repair: 79 MG Midget, fuel pressure gauge, stromberg carburetor

Question
Starts by spraying with starting fluid but will not stay running.  Seems to be a fuel filter problem but not sure.  What would you recommend replacing first?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Keith,
I would recommend that you replace NOTHING until you test to find out what is wrong, then only replace any failed part.

You already know that it is a fuel problem so first test is to see if fuel runs freely out of the fuel line going into the fuel pump. If it runs freely then put a fuel pressure gauge in a "T" between the fuel pump and the carburetor to see if you have fuel pressure from the pump. Remove all the spark plugs and remove all of the small wires on the (+) side of the coil and use the starter to spin the engine and watch the fuel pressure gauge. (1.5 to 3 PSI on the gauge) If you have that pressure then you will need to remove the Stromberg carburetor and rebuild it.
Just follow those steps and you will find the problem.
Howard