MG Car Repair: 72 MG Midget-wont start, manifold vacuum, vacuum test

Question
QUESTION: Howard,

This is a follow up question from last week.  The fuel line going into the fuel tank has a problem.  The fuel pump works fine.  This was demonstrated by taking the fuel tank line and putting it into a gas can.  The fuel reached the carbs and had plenty of pressure.  The fuel line into the tank is about 1/3 from the bottom.  Is there an extension inside the tank that reaches down to the bottom of the tank?  I inserted a screwdriver and it went in all the way with no  obstruction.  The tank was taken to a shop to clean all the corrosion.   

After turning the engine several times, there was plenty of fuel and spark.  Did not check compression.  The engine sounds good when it turns.  Sprayed some starter fluid and it did not start for several seconds.  Can the timing be way off?

ANSWER: Hi Gaspare,
You can not assume or guess at anything when an engine will not start. Starting fluid will ignite very easily so if you get no response with starting fluid you need to start from scratch and run a compression test on all four cylinders (throttle open) and set the timing as per the specs on the sticker under the hood (if it is still there) If not set it at 7 deg. BTDC static. Also confirm the correct firing order (1342)

Also run a manifold vacuum test (throttle closed) (Not vacuum from the port on one of the carbs as that is "Ported" vacuum not manifold vacuum.)
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  I'll check compression, firing order and timing tonight.  How about the fuel tank problem question?  Could the fuel line inside the tank be broken since it is not picking up the fuel below the level where the line enters the tank?

Answer
Yes that is possible. I have never opened up a Midget tank but if you can only detect fuel at a partial tank filling then the pick up is a problem. The way to test it is to drain the tank and with the tank level put one gallon of fuel back into the tank at a time and blow air into the fuel line while you listen at the filler neck. You will soon arrive at a gallon figure of when the pick-up tube gets covered with fuel.
Some radiator repair shops also repair gas tanks. Call around your area to see which ones do work on tank to correct the problem.
Howard