MG Car Repair: 1978 MGB, inertia switch, charcoal canister

Question
Had battery totally recharged, connected it, put key in car turns over but will not start.  Like not getting any gas.  Located the fuel pump inertia switch, plunger was in so pulled it out and pushed it back in.  Nothing, gas gauge is not moving at all.  Located fuel pump cut-off valve, this is on a spring and ca't figure out how to push the plunger into the valve body, wont stay down.  Does the car need to be on a flat surface to make sure gas is getting to the carbureter.  HELP

Answer
Donna, the only cut off for the fuel pump is the inertia switch and it just cuts off power to the pump in the case of a hard bump on the front or rear of the car. The only other cut off valve is connected to the charcoal canister to apply vacuum to the float chamber of the carb when you turn off the ignition to prevent "Run on" (dieseling)

If you know you don't have a fuel supply, first confirm that you have power to the pump with the key on. If not check for power at the inertia switch. If you do have power to the pump and the pump has a good ground and the pump is not clicking, then you have a bad pump. If you have power to the pump and it is not clicking, bump the metal part of the pump hard with a hammer handle with the key on to see if you can get it to start (clicking). If that don't work, put a pump in it or rebuild the pump.

Howard