MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Lazy Starters

Hi folks,

My F has been having some trouble starting on the key recently. The battery is about 3 years old and I do not appear to be having any charging problems.

I replaced the starter motor about 4 years ago and would be surprised if it was dead already, but I suspect it’s getting lazy and taking more power than it should.

Can anyone comment on expected life of starters and batteries?

I deliberately bought the best heavy duty battery I could with a 3 year guarantee on it and would be slightly miffed if it was duff already.

I will run a circuit tester on the battery cold and running, but am not sure if there is a test for starter motors.

Thanks, Russ.
Russ D Mellor

Russ,

My last battery failed after 2 years. Fortunately it was replaced under warranty. I put the problem down to the car sitting in the garage for long periods of time not being run (usually during the winter). I've now got a battery conditioner (AccuMate) and this now keeps everything in tip top condition. Never had any problems with the battery since.
David Clelland

three years is about right for a new battery...

there's a reason why they have three year guarantees!
Will Munns

Battery Life is directly proportoinal to how much you paid for it.
We run the 'F', the family 1.8 Astra and my around town old Clio. Batteries get 'handed down' so they are 4, 5 and 8 years old resp. They are all Automatic therefore a battery problem is fatal.
You need to check the cleanliness and security of the starter cables and ground strap. If this does not cure the problem then visit http://www.varta-automotive.com
The best battery costs just more than a tank of petrol so it is a 'good buy'even if it only lasts 3 years.
DC is right. No MGF should be without an AccuMate. I have the Snap Connector plumbed in under tha bonnet and a Big Red Bow to tie to the steering wheel.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

Thanks guys, I've checked the battery terminals but will also check the connections on the starter.

My impression from your responses is that this is more likely to be a battery problem than a starter one, so I'll concentrate on this before much else.

I use the MG all through the winter although not everyday, do you still suggest the AccuMate?

Cheers, Russ.
Russ D Mellor

Car batteries are different to other domestic system and don't like to be deep discharged. They last longest if they are regularly charged to maximum capacity.

In the past I used to rejuvenate old car batteries by emptying out the old acid, washing out the muck at the bottom of the plates and refilling with fresh acid. Unfortunately, this is not something you can do at home because you need decent handling and disposal facilities.

Chris
Chris

This thread was discussed between 21/05/2008 and 24/05/2008

MG MGF Technical index

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