Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your Mgb: Step-By-Step Guide

how do you replace fuel pump on mgb

Replacing the fuel pump on an MGB is a complex task that requires careful attention to detail. The fuel pump is located under the car, so the first step is to raise the car to a workable height using a car lift, ramps, or axle stands. Once the car is accessible, the next steps involve disconnecting the power lead, ground wire, and unions, as well as loosening the pump bracket to remove the old fuel pump. It is important to check the condition of the metal fuel pipe and replace it if necessary. The rubber fuel hose should also be inspected and potentially replaced with a modern equivalent. When installing the new fuel pump, it is crucial to get the angle right and ensure proper lubrication and cleaning of the rubber sleeve.

Characteristics Values
Location of fuel pump Under the car
Tools required Car lift, ramps or axle stands
Step 1 Disconnect power lead and ground wire, noting which is which
Step 2 Inspect the angle of the pump, particularly the angle of the flanged fittings from copper fuel lines
Step 3 Remove the gas line pipe fitting leading from the gas tank
Step 4 Disconnect the unions and breather pipe
Step 5 Loosen the pump bracket and remove the pump, being careful with the electrical connections
Step 6 Check the rubber fuel hose and replace if necessary
Step 7 Check the metal fuel pipe which runs from the pump to the engine compartment and replace if heavily corroded
Step 8 Put the new fuel pump into its bracket and clean and lubricate the rubber sleeve
Step 9 Do a mock fitting to make sure the angle is correct for each fuel line
Step 10 Tighten the mounting bracket and hook up the fuel line connections at the pump

shunfuel

Disconnecting the unions and breather pipe

Before disconnecting the unions and breather pipe, it is important to inspect the angle of the pump, particularly the angle of the flanged fittings from the copper fuel lines. It is also recommended to invest in a new copper fuel line or at least that section from the tank to the pump. The flanged ends are very important as is the "angle" you position the new pump at.

shunfuel

Removing the old fuel pump

Replacing the fuel pump on an MGB is best done using a car lift to raise the car to a workable height. If you don’t have access to one, use ramps or axle stands, but make sure they are properly positioned and secure.

Before you start, disconnect the power lead and ground wire, noting which is which, and inspect the condition of the fuel pump. Take a good look at the angle of the pump, particularly the angle of the flanged fittings from the copper fuel lines. You will need to get the angle right when you install the new pump, so take note of this.

Next, disconnect the unions and breather pipe, loosen the pump bracket (usually two bolts) and remove the pump, being careful with the electrical connections. You will need to retain the rubber support ring from the body of the old pump for fitting onto the new pump. With the pump removed, check the rubber fuel hose as this can be worn and damaged – if it has been on there for the same length of time as the pump, it is probably a good idea to replace it with a modern rubber fuel hose. The same goes for the electrical connectors, which can be renewed if required, and as a tip, always use new washers for the banjo connections when changing the pump.

Before ordering a new fuel pump, look at the new fuel pump. The "new ones" need a fitting kit along with it sometimes. Check the metal fuel pipe which runs from the pump to the engine compartment – if heavily corroded, it is best to replace it. While under the car, check the metal pipe which runs from the petrol tank to the pump, and if in doubt, renew this as well.

shunfuel

Positioning the new pump at the right angle

To position the new pump at the right angle, you will need to pay close attention to the angle of the flanged fittings from the copper fuel lines. It is important to get the angle right, so make sure you do a mock fitting to ensure that you have the correct angle for each fuel line.

Before positioning the new pump, you will need to disconnect the unions and breather pipe, loosen the pump bracket and remove the old pump, being careful with the electrical connections. You will need to retain the rubber support ring from the body of the old pump to fit onto the new pump. With the pump removed, check the rubber fuel hose and the electrical connectors, which can be renewed if required. You should also check the metal fuel pipe which runs from the pump to the engine compartment, and the metal pipe which runs from the petrol tank to the pump, and renew these if they are heavily corroded.

When you are ready to position the new pump, put it into its bracket and be sure to clean and lubricate the rubber sleeve. Tighten the mounting bracket, with the fuel pump end with points and connection leads towards the battery compartment, and then hook up the fuel line connections at the pump.

shunfuel

Tightening the mounting bracket

To tighten the mounting bracket, you will first need to remove the old fuel pump. You can then replace any part of the fuel line that looks old. Put the new fuel pump into its bracket and be sure to clean and lubricate the rubber sleeve. You may need to squirt some lubricant on the hardware that the mounting bracket uses. Do a mock fitting to make sure that you have the angle needed for each fuel line. Tighten the mounting bracket, with the fuel pump end with points and connection leads towards the battery compartment.

Before you begin, it is recommended that you raise the car to a workable height using a car lift. If you don't have access to one, use ramps or axle stands, but make sure they are properly positioned and secure.

shunfuel

Hooking up the fuel line connections

To hook up the fuel line connections, you will need to remove the old fuel pump and replace any part of the fuel line that looks old. You should also check the metal fuel pipe which runs from the pump to the engine compartment – if it is heavily corroded, it is best to replace it. While under the car, check the metal pipe which runs from the petrol tank to the pump, and renew this if necessary.

Before ordering a new fuel pump, it is worth noting that the newer models need a fitting kit. You will also need to buy a new fuel filter and have it ready to go at the same time. It is also recommended to invest in a new copper fuel line or at least that section from the tank to the pump. The flanged ends are very important, as is the angle at which you position the new pump.

To hook up the fuel line connections, you will need to get the angle right. Tighten the mounting bracket (with the fuel pump end with points and connection leads towards the battery compartment) and then hook up the fuel line connections at the pump.

You will also need to retain the rubber support ring from the body of the old pump for fitting onto the new pump. Check the rubber fuel hose as this can be worn and damaged – if it has been on there for the same length of time as the pump, it is probably a good idea to replace it with a modern rubber fuel hose. The same goes for the electrical connectors, which can be renewed if required. As a tip, always use new washers for the banjo connections when changing the pump.

Frequently asked questions

First, disconnect the power lead and ground wire, and remove the gas line pipe fitting leading from the gas tank. Next, disconnect the unions and breather pipe, loosen the pump bracket and remove the pump, being careful with the electrical connections. Check the rubber fuel hose and electrical connectors for damage and replace if necessary. Finally, put the new pump into its bracket, clean and lubricate the rubber sleeve, and tighten the mounting bracket.

You will need a car lift, ramps or axle stands to raise the car to a workable height. You will also need a suitable container and a rag, as well as lubricant for the mounting bracket.

You should replace the rubber fuel hose and electrical connectors if they are damaged. You should also replace the metal fuel pipe which runs from the pump to the engine compartment if it is heavily corroded. It is also recommended to invest in a new copper fuel line or at least the section from the tank to the pump, and to buy a new fuel filter.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment