MG Car Repair: 72 MG-Midget-engine will not start, clutch slave cylinder, psi difference

Question
Howard,

First I want to thank you for answering several questions last week regarding installation of the trunnion on the front suspension and cooling system connections.   Here is a follow up question:

The car has been sitting for 20 years and wanted to get your response on how to trouble shoot and determine why the engine will not start.  The engine turns over and sounds good.  I've changed the oil and filter and put oil in the cylinders prior to turning over the engine.  The fuel tank was removed/cleaned and installed new sending unit. The new fuel pump clicks.  I used compressed air and the fuel line seems to be unobstructed from the fuel pump to the carbs.  My next step is to check compression (150 psi with no more than 15 psi difference), spark and fuel.  I bought a new coil (40K) and Pertronix electronic ignition and will install prior to restarting.  I've overhauled the entire cooling system and installed a new alternator.   My concern is the fuel system.  When turning the engine, the fuel does not seem to be adequate to the carbs.  Should the fuel be squirting out of the line where it reaches the carbs?  The fuel pump is mounted with the outlet on top.  Also, is there anything that I can do to the dual HS-2 carbs to ensure that they will provide the proper fuel to get the engine started, i.e. clean float, pistons ?  The pistons move up and down with resistance.  The fuel has been sitting in the tank for several years, but has fuel stabilizer.  Should I drain and put in new fuel?

Also...any idea how to remove the top bolt on the clutch slave cylinder?  Is there a special tool?  The access through the footwell is tight and a standard socket with swivel or open ended wrench does not work.  

Thanks for your response and this great website!

Answer
To make a quick test as to it being a fuel problem just spray a little starter fluid into the intake when it is being turned over. If it fires off and only runs a second or two then you do need to look at fuel supply first. (yes fuel should pump fast out of the fuel line at the carbs) (1.5 to 3 PSI with a gauge on it)

Normally when the pump is turned on it should click rapidly for a second or two then slow to just a click every few seconds. This means it has pumped up pressure and is holding it. If it clicks fast all the time it is drawing air in the pump to tank line or the pump is connected up wrong. (the ports are marked "IN" & "OUT") The pump, new or old can have it's valves stuck and may need to be primed to get it to start working.

I would not have saved the old fuel even it it had a stabilizer in it.

Howard