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MG MGA - Gas from Tank to Carb.

I just purchased my first A, a 'restored' early 58, 1500...the PO wrote me this:
"I don't use the choke, for whatever reason. I think somebody told me once it fouls the plugs quicker, and really it's more about getting fuel through the fuel lines at the beginning, not so much the fuel/air mixture. I pump the gas pedal (sometimes a lot) during cold start, which is more than a week of non-use. If it's been run in the last day or so, you can start it with just a kick of the gas and a pull of the starter. Does need a good minute or two to warm up."
To me this sounds like a possible fuel pump problem...my previous 4 B's always had to make a dozen good clicks from the fuel pump in the trunk(but no peddle pumping), and my 2 TD's (1 now for sale) always needs to fill the bowls with fuel, after sitting for a week, but that takes no peddle pumping to start either. Is the A more tempermental? I take delivery tomorrow, and now I will get to watch another blog on MG's.
-Joe

Joe Walck

With SU carburettors pumping the accelerator does absolutely nothing so is a total waste of time. Why not use the choke as it was designed to be used? It enriches the mixture so helps when the engine is cold.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Joe, wait for the pump to stop ticking then, as Bob says, use the choke. I find I have to use the choke from stone cold, even in summer, but can push it back in after a few seconds of running. It's very reluctant to start without the choke from cold but starts immediately if the engine is at all warm.
That car of yours looks very nice in that picture, is it black or dark green?
Lindsay Sampford

Like Lindsay I only use the choke on start up and it goes in more or less immediately. Sometimes in summer when it is over 20C the choke is not necessary ( I have noticed this too in a contemporary report in the Autocar)
Cam Cunningham

It's a slightly sparkly British Racing Green paint with beige interior. Frame off 3 yrs. ago, driven less than 200 since.
That's what I thought about the choke...I use them on the TD's for about 10 seconds too. Thanks for the advise on not pumping the gas...that didn't seem right.

Joe Walck

Very nice Joe, have fun!
Lindsay Sampford

Your car looks absolutely stunning Joe!

Depends somewhat on ambient temperature (and the carburettors being correctly tuned and adjusted). I would struggle to start mine without choke, but with it fires pretty much instantly.
Neil McGurk

FYI, I took delivery. Turned the key, pulled the choke, pulled the starter...first time, every time!
I guess all that gas pumping was why PO didn't like her, he should have tried the choke. She's perfect, showroom fresh too.
Joe Walck

If you never had to pull the choke, it would probably mean you were running too rich.
Lindsay Sampford

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2010 and 16/09/2010

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