Non-starting MGB
Q My 1970 MGB is not starting. The last time I drove it was last year when all was well. There is between a quarter and half a tank of last year’s fuel and, when I turn the ignition on, I get a clicking from the back that I believe is the fuel pump. It initially clicks fast but quickly slows and stops. When I then crank the engine over it turns over well and consistently, as it always has done, but doesn’t give any indication that it wants to start. Can you help?
A The MGB’s engine, like any classic engine, is simple and this should allow any reasonably mechanically-minded owner to overcome minor issues that prevent their classic MG engine from starting. There seems to be far more non-start and/or poor running issues today following winter lay-ups than there used to be, so fuel degradation is the usual suspect. I also expect the Covid-19 lockdown to amplify these problems as this has extended many cars’ winter storage.
A non-start demands
