MG Car Repair: 1977 MGB Repair, fuel pressure gauge, british car clubs

Question

I recently moved to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago in Wood Dale, and have not found anyone in the area that will work on MG's.

I can't get the car to turn over and start.  I get strong ignition, but it seems like the carburetor isn't getting fuel.  Through process of elimination, what should I start to look at?  Is there a quick way to determine if the fuel pump is working?

Help!  

Chuck

Answer
I don't have any contacts in Chicago but I am sure there are many shops in the area that can work on MGs. A good method to find a good MG mechanic is to locate one of the local British car clubs in the area and they usually have a newsletter and website so you can post a request for info on who you should trust the car to. Many repairs can be done yourself and I may be able to guide you to make a decision as to if it is something you can do or need a pro to do.

Yes,there is an easy way to make a preliminary test.
If the fuel pump is the "SU" type pump that the car came with it is easy to tell if it is working. While it is quiet, listen when you turn the ignition key to the On position. You should hear the pump in the rear start clicking fast and then it should slow down and just either click slowly or just occasionally. This tells you the pump started and then has built up pressure. To determine if the pump is producing the proper pressure you would need a fuel pressure gauge. If you don't hear the pump start running when you turn the key on do this.

Turn the key to the "ON" position and take a hammer up under the car on the right side just behind the axle and locate the fuel pump body by the fuel lines and bump the pump base (NOT the plastic end cap) with the hammer handle (not the steel head of the hammer) Most of the time the points stick on the SU pump and a bump with a hammer handle will jar them loose. You will know if they brake loose as the pump will start clicking.
Let me know,
Howard