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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Starter Motor question

Hi all,
midget Mk III
Managed to get my failed starter motor off in 2 hrs ( !) and the new one arrives on Monday.
Question is, does the starter motor Bendix thing automatically engage on the toothed ring once it's been bolted back in place or is there any alignment etc I have to do?
Sorry to ask but I'm a starter motor replacement virgin!
Cheers all
colin
colin frowen

No alignment, just bolt it on and go.

You can, of course, fit the starter in either of two orientations. The terminal post needs to be away from the engine.
Dave O'Neill 2

Not being funny, but how did you manage to take 2 hours to remove it?
GuyW

Hi GuyW,
As I said, Starter motor virgin & had to let the Plus Gas do its stuff- crudded nuts & bolts, plus taking my time to make sure I didn't do anything stupid. Getting a socket on the bottom bolt was a "challenge"!
Having seen some other posts on the web re taking out starters from other MG Owners, I thought I did quite well- well, at least for a newbie!
Cheers colin
colin frowen

Sorry Colin, question was nothing personal! My engine leaks sufficient oil to keep the 2 starter mounting bolts well oiled and they just come undone really easily. I use a socket with an extension bar just longer than the motor itself so that the ratchet handle clears the starter and they just come off. The thing is to remove the starter cable first (after disconnecting the battery if you want to be safe) so it doesn't flap around as you undo the brass nut.

And be careful both removing and refitting the cable nut not to let the terminal stud itself twist and break the internal wiring. Now, how would I know that? !!

GuyW

Hi GuyW
No worries!
Sadly ( ??) my engine doesn't weep oil , so the nuts & bolts were ....a little stiff!
Yeah, I disconnected the battery before I started & I noted your kind comment about the terminal stud! I will check this.
Cheers
Col
colin frowen

Hi,


There's no need to disconnect the battery on an old inertia type stater motor.


The lead is only live when the remote solenoid is closed, ie key to "crank" psition
Steve Smith Midget 1500

Probably not Steve, excepts who is to say that your inquisitive granddaughter isn't going to say "what does this key do . . . . ?"
GuyW

Lol



Good point Guy.
Steve Smith Midget 1500

Il forgot to add the illustrative photo!


GuyW

Colin .
If you're engine isn't weeping oil it would be a good idea to check there's some in.

"how do you know when the 'a' series needs topping up? When it stops dripping"
graeme jackson

I learned that if you leave the battery connected, it's a good idea to take your watch off. The burn has long since healed, but I've still got the craters in my steel watch strap.

Just from reaching down in that solenoid area.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

This thread was discussed between 17/09/2016 and 18/09/2016

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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