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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - sticky starter

i am having issues with my starter at the moment. i turn the key and i get a click. i give the starter a small tap and it will spin fine. It happened now and then, but it seems to be occurring more often, and now i cant seem to get it to spin. the started seems engaged and even tapping its not working. are there any other tricks to unstick the motor?

cheers :)
Rich K

Shes worn out and tired, time for a rebuild

BUT...hold on there partner

these old lucas starters HATE oil and dirt, give her insides a good cleaning with petrol... DO NOT oil or lube it, make sure all the parts inside are clean, dry oil free and shinny, and stick it back in and see what happens

most of the time its easier and just as cheap to trade in the starter for a remanufactured one if its worn out, im not sure there is alot of savings
Prop

Rich

You say your starter is sticking engaged, I assume from this you mean the starter pinion is engaged with the flywheel ring gear? If this is the case you can disengage it by either turning the square bit on the end of the starter clockwise or putting the car in gear and rocking it backwards and forwards. If this isn't the case and the starter just isn't spinning I would suggest your problem is most likely worn brushes, and tapping the motor brings them back into contact just enough to get it turning. Either way I'd suggest getting the starter out to investigate.
Bob Davis

evening people. i will try the rocking back and forth method and try to get her started. the fact that the problem is getting worse concerns me :(
Rich K

the fact that the problem is getting worse concerns me

Why ?

Is 45 - 60 GBP for a remanufactured lucas starter alot of money to you?

(or is it the thing we refer to as the "Wifey" that will nag you to no end)


prop
Prop

Prop, you hit it on the head there :)
Rich K

I just rebuilt mine. I first took it apart and cleaned it using electrical contact cleaner. Then I inspected it. The bushings were fine but the commutator needed a slight turning, took off .003" and it was in good shape. Replaced the brushes. If you do replace the brushes cut the leads for the old ones from the windings leaving enough to solder the new ones back on. Also replace the brush springs if there is any doubt at all. The windings are aluminum so if you completely the old cables you will have a difficult time attaching the new ones.
I have an arbor press so removing the Bendix is not difficult. Otherwise take it to a repair shop so it can be inspected and repaired or just cleaned and reassembled.
A little dab of grease for the bushings and leave everything else dry.

One of the most common problems in a Lucas starter is brush springs that have gotten hot and no linger hold the brush(s) against the commutator.

Or for a little more than $100 you can get a new starter. If yours only needs a cleaning and set of brushes that is about $15.
tomshobby

Wich type of starter are we talking about? the one with radial brushes or the one with axial brushes?
Alex G Matla

might just go and buy a reconditioned one, save the hassle! i dont know what starter it is, its for a 1500 midget
Rich K

Probably the axial one with the scroll or watch spring style brush springs. I used to keep a set of brushes on hand for these type starters. My TR4, GT6, and TR6 had this type starter. My TR6 now has a gear reduction starter and I like it much better.
The radial style I have on my 74 Midget has coil style brush springs and they looked good so I left them in.
tomshobby

I pretty sure the same starter fits both the 1275 and the 1500

but I think there is a spacer plate on the 1500... Im not sure about that
Prop

I cleaned mine when I had problems- then oiled it before I read "do not oil it".

That was about 9 years ago. I havent had any problems.

Don
don g

hey all. the starter has finally given up. managed to unstick it and crank it for about 5 secs. then it made a massive clunk and stopped working again. the shaft spins but when i try to start there is just a clicking sound :( cleaned all the connections and still nothing. ordering a new one tonight
Rich K

Rich, probably the best way to go. Certainly not expensive.
You might take your old one apart just to see what is in there.
tomshobby

If you can afford it get a modern uprated sort, saves the battery (potentially get rid of existing solonoid) and you soon get used to sound of wizzz instead of kerchunkcrunch
Nigel Atkins

i picked up a new lucas starter today, so hopefully that will cure the problem. i went out this morning and cranked the engine, it turned for less than half a second and then clunk....same problem... its coming out tomorrow
Rich K

"I pretty sure the same starter fits both the 1275 and the 1500"


I dont think so although im not sure either.
What I do know for sure is that the 1500 starter is the same as the MGA-one.
Arie de Best

MGOC list one version of the standard type but two versions of the geared [uprated] type [ie 1275 and 1500].
Doug Plumb

This thread was discussed between 22/11/2010 and 24/11/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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