MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Hi-torque starter advice

Does anyone have experience of the hi-torque geared starter made by Powerlite and sold by various people (Moss, MGOC, AES etc), particularly how reliable are they, do they really provide significant additional starting power?
P Vermaat

We have one on the race car because the stock starter motor struggled with the 11.75 : 1 CR, especially if the engine was hot. The high torque starters are significantly better in this respect and virtually all the racers use them. They also mean the engine turns over less before it fires up which again is a good thing on a highly tuned race engine.

However, they are not a panacea (especially when you consider their cost) since they are very susceptible to vibration damage. In a midget they lie very close to the scuttle, and vibration can cause impact with it. Indeed we broke one because my tame 'Racing Driver' refused to listen to my advice not to let the motor idle below 1500 rpm. I eventually cured the problem by relieving the scuttle as well as putting in an engine steady bar.

Personally I don't believe they offer any advantage on a stock engine over the original starter motor IF the latter is in good condition.

Deborah Evans

I got one to my 1275 about 3 years ago and it's been used many,many times since then

the old starter would ocassionally just miss with a noise many Spridget owners will know, none of that now

I've no idea about starting power as I keep the battery and connections in good condition and fitted a new starter solonoid and an uprated alternator before the Powerlite starter

instructions (1275?)


N Atkins

I was typing before as Deb was posting

I agree they’re not a panacea and wont resolve other issues in the starter system but might overcome them better than a faulty old starter and thus hide these other faults elsewhere better, which makes things worse overall

If the advertising is to be believed then they use ‘50% less current’ and have ‘200% more cranking power’ so would be very useful for the multitude of owners with poor batteries and connections and/or car infrequently used and/or car not in good condition

The uprated starters are very expensive and the difference in cost would be better spent resolving any other starting issues

As my Midget is my only car I especially want a reliable car that I can use at the drop of a hat and my previous starter was faulty (but the rest of the system in good condition) so I was prepared to pay the extra

A battery and all electrical connections and earths, all in good condition, clean, secure and protected are vital for good reliable starting time after time (there’s a song there somewhere)
N Atkins

We have used them and have had excellent results. We fettle a bit to address the clearance issues.
I agree they are really only necessary on high compression engines (esp big bore), where the additional cranking load causes more voltage drop and hence less left over for the ignition. Cars which would not crank reliably thanks to being a bit greedy on compression and cc's became transformed.

Having said that, reduced voltage drop on cranking is a good move for any engine so these starters will also make a standard engine start easier in marginal conditions such as when very cold or damp.

Yes, they do draw less current. They make up for it by retaining a higher system voltage during cranking and (I suspect but haven't measured) a lower cranking speed. (The latter is not an issue due to the big fat spark which results from the extra voltage and gives instant ignition.)

I suspect that in a strictly technical sense the claim for "200% more cranking power" is incorrect, but the way they work that's the feeling you get.
Paul Walbran

>>I suspect that in a strictly technical sense the claim for "200% more cranking power" is incorrect, but the way they work that's the feeling you get<<

sorry my incomplete memory, checked now, it says 'up to 200% more cranking power compared to conventional original equipment units'
N Atkins

I really like mine its in a 1275, and some clearance issue,,, what I like is the starter stays turning as long as the key is turned so starting is so much easier, it just a nicer starter and delivers so much more crank,,,,granted you dont need it, the orginal lucas is okay, but you dont need electronic ignition, K&N air filters or 5 speed trans conversion ither but it sure is nice.

Prop

Prop

Thanks, all, for very useful advice. I've decided given the mild state of tune of my 1275 (and the fact that the existing starter lasted for 40 years before finally dying) to stick with a standard unit and spend the additional £100 elsewhere...
P Vermaat

This thread was discussed between 07/06/2011 and 08/06/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.