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MG MGB Technical - starter issues

Hi yet again,

Just got my B back from mechanic, now I've got both the front and rear suspension rebuilt. Car rides and handles well. I've still got a host of problems to tackle. I have a weak clutch and what appears to be an intermittent starter (very bad combination, makes it very embarrassing when stalling at intersections). Anyway I know the clutch should be replaced sooner rather than later but the starter I'd like some advice on. I'd say about 75% of the time the car starts fine. The other 25% I get nothing, all electrics work and the lights dim slightly when I turn the key but no noise, it doesn't even try to start (not even ticking fuel pump). My solution is to pop the hood and yank on the fanbelt. When I get it to move even just a little bit, I hop in and it starts right up. So does this sound like a worn starter or could there be other things for me to check out? Thanks again...look for my next post to be entitled "rod bearings..do I really need em?" in the ongoing saga of my 1980 B.
Brian

Pull the starter and check the solenoid and ring gear.

Ian Thomson
ian thomson

Ian may be right. It could be that the starter is stuck in the ring gear. When you yank the belt, it turns the flywheel just enough to let it free itself.

Open the hood and have a friend try to start the car when this happens. Listen very carefully on the passenger side of the car. If the starter is even trying to crank, you should hear the relay and the solenoid click. It should be clearly audible in this way. If not, there is something wrong electrically. Use a voltmeter or 12v test light to trace backwards from the solenoid through the relay and the ignition switch.

If you can't hear the fuel pump ticking, you may have a more generalized electrical fault. Occasionally on my 1970 roadster, the fuse holder (or maybe the fuse itself) gets a little dirty or corroded. I open the hood, turn the fuse in its holder about half a turn and everything is fine again.

As always with MGB electrical problems, check for a faulty ground connection. It seems like more than half the time, that is where the problem is.
Paul Noble

I do hear a clicking when having a friend turn the key, so perhaps Ian is correct. Can I confirm the problem with the starter in the car, or did I just do that? Either way (starter in or out) what do I need to do to fix it? I have another starter on the shelf but I'm not sure how well it works, can I test it prior to installing it? Sorry guys I'm just not that familiar with this. I suspect that I'll be learning soon and quickly.

Thanks again for your previous and future advice.
Brian

Brian. If you have a weak clutch, replace it. While you have the engine out, take both of the starters into Checker, or you local discount parts store, and have them checked out. Normally costs nothing. Your problem could also be caused by a bad connection or a starter relay (you do not mention the year of the car). But, if the starters test good, you should be able to trouble shoot the problem from there. Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2002 and 02/06/2002

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