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MG MGB Technical - Starter motor replacement

After a lot of stuffing around with batteries and checking other wiring, I've discovered my starter motor is needing replacement.
The problem seemed intermittent at first. Just a couple of times it wouldn't start, so assuming a flat battery the first time I just clutch started it. Next time I wasn't in a position to do that, but I thought putting it in top gear and rocking it might unstick the starter if that's all it was. Voila! Worked. Had to do it again a couple of days later and it worked then.
Today it happened but nothing I've done will get it started. The solenoid is working and everything else checks out, it just appears the starter is finally stuck beyond budging.
I thought about getting the parts needed to overhaul it, but as the car is my day-to-day and I have no other way of getting around, I figure replacing the starter completely is the easiest option. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be cheap.

I'm pretty sure it's a Lucas 2M100, but I've only seen one place in Australia that advertises them. $300. Otherwise I found just a single unit on eBay already at $200 and it's a used model.
Is there an aftermarket replacement model I can use? The car is a 78B "rubbernose" British version. It would be great if I could just order a standard Bosch or other common brand part from the local Repco parts shop.

Regards,
David - Sydney, Australia
D O'Brien

David,

You might try looking aroung for a place that services electrical components such as alternators and starters. Don't know if they have those in Australia, but in the US you can have your existing unit rebuilt. They will bench test it as well to check it out prior to the rebuild. It is usually cheaper than purchasing a new unit. Incidentally, I just bought a '78 B! Hope that helps!

Best,

Shawn
Shawn Herndon

Do some searching on the internet for a high torque starter. They cost less than the originals, are lighter, consume less amps, and are very dependable. There are some on eBay also. you should be able to get one for less than $160 US.
Ted Mack

I installed a gear drive starter on my '67 B which has the chamfer on the ring gear on the back side. I had concern that there would be problems with the starter engaging. (With 68 - 4 synchro trannys - and later this is not an issue as the starter gear engages from the front of the ring gear, not the rear.)


Result: No problem. Works great, weighs about 1/2 the original weight, spins the motor fast and takes less electrical load doing it.

A few months ago, I tossed my collection of old starters, generators, and Lucas alternators.

Some things have gotten better.

Barry

Barry Parkinson

Sounds like a dead field or whatever it's called on the commutator. As Barry said the gear reduction starter is the way to go as they're a lot newer and rebuilt less times.
Mike MaGee

David,

I also have a 1978 mgb roadster, when I bought it the starter didn't work and I wondered I need to replace it.

But the mechanic who used to work on lucas stuff, just disassembled it and used a file and emery paper to clean the commutator and brushes, put it back the starter came to life again and never missed.

Unfortunately, I just figured out my 70 bgt also suffered the same issue.

Hope this help.

Ennio
Ennio Wong

Mr. O'Brian,
If you have a friend in the US, O'Reilys Auto Parts will sell you a rebuilt Lucas for $89. US plus core charge of 30.US which is refundable.LOL
LH Keyes

Opps, they have a lifetime warrenty, I put one in my 70 B' about 2 months ago and it's doing great.
LH Keyes

I put an O'Reilly's starter in my B a few months ago, and again last week. They replaced it for free, but it was kind of a hassle doing the job twice. To be fair, my experience might be the exception, and most of their rebuilt starters might go the distance. The one I bought sure didn't.
Mark B.

This thread was discussed between 10/09/2005 and 13/09/2005

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