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MG MGB Technical - Block Fuel Pickup

Hi,

Just bought a '73 GT that had been sitting for around 5 years and the fuel line is blocked inside the fuel tank.

I've tried compressed air, and I can't get a piece of wire past the 90 degree elbow. Not sure what else to try but I know the later models have integrated fuel sender / pick up lines. Would this fit in my tank? I could then close off the original blocked pickup.

The tank doesn't look that old and there doesn't appear to be any rust inside so I am loathe to buy a new one.

Cheers,
Matt
Matt Matt

The Parts Catalogue implies that the locking ring and seal were only used with the earlier type of sender *without* the pick-up pipe. This may be an error and they are common to both, or the later one may have a different attachment to the tank. Other sources indicate that the seal and locking ring are common, in which case the later sender should fit the earlier tank. If the tank is baffled that may cause a problem.
Paul Hunt 2

My tank has the locking ring and the seal already and isn't baffled. So hopefully it will be ok.

Thanks
Matt Matt

Yes all sources say the earlier sender has the seal and locking ring, it is whether they are the same for the later sender that is in doubt. Your supplier should be able to confirm, and if they are then you should be OK. It's only 12 quid as opposed to 10 for yours. There is a notch in the tank and a cut-out in the sender to ensure correct orientation, just check they are in the same place on both types.
Paul Hunt 2

Great, thanks for your help.
Matt Matt

I fitted EFI to my 74.5 car which requires a pick up and a return line.

I was able to use a later "in the sender pick up" fuel sender.
The later sender locates the pick up hard up against the earlier pick up. Also you need to unclip and turn the new float around so it faces forward otherwise it will catch on the old pick up pipe. Easy to do, but you then need to 'fiddle' the thing into the tank.
The very early tanks have baffles and you can't use the later pick up/sender unit in them unless you are prepared to bend it sideways.
The tank in that 74.5 did not have baffles. I do not know if it was an original tank, I think so.
The replacement tanks (jack slipped!) do not come with baffles and they all come with 'in the tank' pickups.
If you want to be sure, remove your pick up and have a look. The baffle (if it is there) will be located about 170mm from the sender hatch.

Something is obviously blocking your pick up. The end of your pick up is located in that bump in the bottom center of the tank. It has a fine white plastic filter around it, about the size of a cotton reel. The most likely blockage candidate is lots of rust piled up around that filter. Even if it is not rust that something will just as likely also block your new pick up although in this case it will be easier to clear.
I would suggest that you drain your tank, remove it and clean it out. Either yourself or have it cleaned by the local garage. There will be a standard fee.

Removing the tanks from the later cars (yours) is very easy so long as you've got a socket set with an extension. There are some obvious bolts in the boot and 4 nuts to be undone from underneath.
New tanks aren't all that expensive by the way ($300 in Australia,cheaper where you are) so keep in mind that the later sender costs money as does cleaning etc(unless you do it yourself).
Peter Sherman

This thread was discussed on 03/12/2007

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