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MG MGB Technical - Starter Solenoid Wire Issues

The other night one of the brown wires (the one that connects with a female connector) to the solenoid came loose while driving. The symptom was a complete lack of any type of power in the system. I did a temporary fix yesterday to have another problem emerge. Everything worked OK until I tried to start it for the 5th or 6th time. Essentially you could hear the solenoid make a lot of clicking noise, but the starter didn't engage. I suspected the brown wire that is attached to the solenoid with a nut and did a splice on the area that was a bit dodgy. Since the splice was really bad I wound up doing a bump start. Since the splice was not good, the engine would sputter when going over bumps. Then it finally died again. This time there was no solenoid and the various things like the oil pressure gauge were not working. The lights were still on this time.

I did a good splice job this time and still only the solenoid makes noise and no starter. Any clues on where I should now look? The solenoid does the clickety noise at a rate of about 60-80 CPM.

For a picture of the wires and another version of this story see http://www.geocities.com/jasonacool/mgb_starter.htm

As always, the help is highly appreciated.
Jason
1970 mgb roadster
Jason

Jason, a clicking solenoid usually means the solenoid itself is bad. But, check your battery to make sure its all charged up and putting out at least 12 volts. Re-check all your connections. A simple fix would be to buy a new solenoid which I think cost about 50 bucks from Moss. But there is a great starter/alternator place in Cambell that can provide you with a completely rebuilt Lucas starter plus solenoid for about 95 bucks. Thats a screaming deal, and these guys are top rate. I've gotten both a starter and alternator from them.
By the way, I see your in Oakland as well. I would be happy to stop by if you need a hand with anything. I live near 35th ave. and drive the B-GT with the Union Jack on the hood.
cheers
Bill
Bill Mertz

A chattering solenoid can also be caused by bad connections in the brown - ignition switch - solenoid circuit. Given your previous problem I suspect your temporary fix wasn't good enough. By 1973 the brown wires were bolted onto the solenoid lug that the main battery cable connects to - an altogether better arrangement. But one that still failed when my car was in mid-MOT the other week! The mechanic couldn't diagnose it, I had to go to the garage and sort it out. Everything was bolted up tight, it was just that the spade on the brown feeding the car was oxydised both sides and not making contact with the stud or the other lugs. No hint of a problem prior to that.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 20/07/2002 and 23/07/2002

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