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Q & A: 1969 MGC/GT Fuel Problem

Hi. I have owned a 1969 MGC-GT since 1984. I lived overseas for several
years so
it got limited use for a long time and since coming back I've had a fuel
problem
so I just haven't driven it for fear of it catching on fire.

I'll explain the problem and hope you can offer some suggestions as to
what the
problem is. What happens is that when I turn on the ignition, fuel pours
out of
an overflow pipe at the carburetor and runs down the side of engine. I had
Gross
jets in it (since the mid 80's) so I replaced them with new standard
needle
valve jets thinking that the float valve was not shutting off the fuel to
the
carbs but it still made no difference.

I have a friend who's a mechanic and he told me the pressure from my fuel
pump
may be too high and that's what's causing it. He suggested possibly an
in-line
fuel regulator. I took an old regulator he had and used it just to test it
out
(I really don't want a jerry-rigged set-up) and it appeared to solve the
problem. However, I struggled to get it to balance between shutting the
fuel
down enough to keep it from pouring out yet still feed fuel to run the
engine.

Q: Do you think I am dealing with a faulty fuel pump?

Q: I replaced the stock fuel pump back in the 80's with an electronic one
because the factory unit went out. If it is the fuel pump, do you have a
replacement and how much would it cost (how do I order one)?

If you think it may be something else please let me know. Any advice you
can
provide would be appreciated.

Also, I am missing the "C" in MGC-GT on the rear hatch.

Q: Do you have any of those or know where can I get one?

Finally, I am considering selling the car once I get the fuel problem
fixed
because I just don't seem to have the time for it that I used to. I bought
it
with 34K original miles (it apparently had sat for a long time based on
the
rotor corrosion) and have dumped a lot of money into it mechanically over
the
years. I fully restored it in 1992 replacing the rusted out rocker panels
and
lower rear quarters with metal panels, detailed the engine cmpt.,
repainted the
wire wheels, etc.. a class "A" job. It has new carpet and it has always
ran
great except for this fuel overflow problem. The only thing really left to
restore is the original leather seats which are very tattered. It is BRG
in
color. It now has 42K miles original.
Q: Do you have an idea of what it's value may be (ballpark) and what the
best
way to sell it would be since MG's are a pretty specialized market?

Q: Would there be any opportunities to sell it through your organization?

I live in Richmond, KY which is just south of Lexington off I75. Thanks
for your
help and advice.

Regards,

Dave

Dave!

The factory fuel pump is always the best one -- it delivers plenty
of fuel (flow) but maintains a low pressure (max 3 lbs). The standard
needle and seats (especially the Vitron tipped ones) can handle that thre... read more