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MG MGB Technical - Starter died, hi-tourque the answer!

Just wanted to post my weekend experience, so it can hopefully help others in the same situation...

My 71 B starter died recently, so after much consideration, I ordered a hi-tourque, gear reduction starter from MOSS (actually through LBC, my favorite source... always great customer service and great pricing).

The unit came in just in time for a weekend install, but I hesitated when I noticed the orginal Lucas starter was 10 tooth, and the new hi-tourque was 9 tooth.
Many postings on the subject mentioned to be cautious about this, (9 tooth for MGBs up to '67, 10 tooth after that).

After gathering a bit more info (other starter sources and users), it seemed the new 9 tooth was correct (smaller pinion gear design, engineered for the proper ring gear fit).

So, the old beast came out fairly easily, removed from the bottom, did not remove the distrib as some had posted, but I did unclamp the dizzy top and wires and covered both the dizzy and cap with plastic bags. I knew the new unit was significantly smaller, and if I could get the Lucas out, the new one would have no problem going in from underneath. No problem, the Lucas came out with a little twisting, guiding it past the clutch cylinder, clutch hose, subframe and engine block, then new one lined right up. Hooked 'er up, and with heatbeat racing, turned the key.

The engine roared to life... and for those purists who moan at the loss of the MG "slow" starting sound, you can have it. My high compression engine always started slowly, even before the recent problems. Now I no longer need to worry about battery drainage, "warm" starting problems, and overall dependability.

For those of you considering, the hi-tourque unit is currently on sale at Moss,
219.95 (same price as a new Lucas)... LBC's price was just a couple bucks less.
www.britishstarters.com is also another great source for these... lots of great things said about these guys.

I'd also like to thank all the past contributors to the BBS archives... guys like Bob Thompson, Paul Hunt, Steve Simmons, Les Bengston, Paul Noble... and many, many others. Their recorded and archived posts continue to help us all in our continuing education and confidence building regarding these magnificant british cars. Thanks guys, you've all helped me out more than you will ever know.


Dave
Dave Cardoza

This thread was discussed on 09/07/2007

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.