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MG MG Y Type - Cleaning the TY fuel pick up tube

Hi. Over from the TD side. I am working to get a 49 YT that has been in a heated garage since 1997 running.

We drained the fuel tank and found it was pretty full when parked.

Flex scope shows the tank was sealed with a tar like substance some time in the past.

We could not blow air into the tank from the fuel pump connection.

I took off the line at the tank and was able to blow out the line.

When i put air to the elbow coming out of the tank, there appears to be a plug in the pickup tube.

I ran a wire in, but the 90 degree turn prevents me from going down the pickup tube.

I wanted to try some suggestions prior to biting the bullet and pulling the tank.

Thoughts?

Bruce Cunha

There,s a fine mesh filter soldered to bottom of pickup tube. You will most likely need to tank out to clean.
Rob Snell

Bruce,

Everything you may have experienced working on TD's pales in comparison to Y Types. After some 40 years working with them, I find they are at least an order of magnitude more complex!

While TD's were produced in the 30 thousands, YT's were produced in the hundreds. They have become quite valuable, although perhaps not so valuable as to recoup your time. labor and parts expense in restoring them fully to original. PLEASE, DO NOT attempt to work on them in the CHEAP!!!

That said, try using a low molecular weight aliphatic solvent to clear the sludge/varnish from the fuel line. Try butane lighter fluid. If unsuccessful, try a polar solvent like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone. Finally, try an aromatic like benzene or naptha.

GFL,

Rocky
Williamsburg, VA
Rodney C "Rocky" von Dullen

Bruce

Clearly if you follow Rocky's suggestions (and I see no reason not to), no naked flames or sparks nearby!

Paul
Paul Barrow

Hehe, Yea, the car is owned by a person who was the state fire marshal for the State of CA, so it would not be good to blow up his car.

I was thinking I can run a tube from the fuel line elbow up and outside the car and get it high enough to get some of the solvents mentioned to sit against the tube.

The point that there is a screen on the pickup tube may indicate that the screen is covered in stuff.

I plan to go up through the drain hole with my flexible camera to see if I can visualize the bottom of the pickup tube.

This one is pretty much just helping out a friend. He is not able to drive any more and I want to get him one more ride in the car prior to its sale.

I considered buying it, but I think my current TD restoration is enough for a while.
Bruce Cunha

A photo of pickup tube

Rob Snell

Cool picture Rob.
Paul Barrow

Unfortunately, my efforts to unclog the pickup tube failed. I attached a hose to the outlet elbow and brought it up above the body of the car. I filled it with acetone and let it set for 4 days.

It did not break up the clog. Even air pressure to the outlet does not get into the tank.

I tried gasoline for 3 days and it also did not break up whatever is in there.

So, the tank needs to be removed. I am hoping the radiator shop can break up whatever is in there.

I note in Rob's picture that there are threads on the outlet valve. It looks to me it is soldered in to the tank on the YT I am working on.

Has anyone removed the outlet elbow to get to the pickup tube?
Bruce Cunha

The outlet is soldered in. The only way to access pickup tube is to remove the end cap of the fuel tank which is also soldered in place.
Rob Snell

Hello Bruce,

Rob is a professional when it comes to Y-Type Fuel Tanks (and radiators). He has repaired many for me over the years.

Ignore his advice at your own peril.

Cheers

Tony
A L SLATTERY

This thread was discussed between 13/05/2023 and 15/06/2023

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