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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Starting Problems

I drive my TF 1500 about 200 miles per week and it normally starts on the first pull, but over the past 30 days, it sounds like the starter motor labors alittle before it starts. Yesterday, it didn't start at all. Lights, horn, fuel pump all working but no ignition when I pull. Red igintion light on.
I assumed it was the battery so I took it to a repair shop and had it checked and charged. Good to go.
I have it back in the car and the problem remains. I have checked the connections to the battery, the starter switch, fan belt tight, starter rotates and the spindle isn't jammed.
Appreciate any guidance you can provide on next steps.
Thanks,
Tim
Tim Moylan

Got the tool kit?
Give the starter a little "love-tap" with the little ball pien hammer in there. It's a magic hammer ...I hit mine 10 years ago and haven't had a problem since.

If that doesn't do it you may need to have the starter re-built. (But it's worth a shot!)
David Sheward

Hi Tim,
Sounds like possibly the starter switch has got a problem, tho' it could possibly be the cable from the switch to the starter. Check the tightness of the cables. If you have a jumper cable (not just a light wire), try jumping across the terminals on the switch to see if the starter will turn. The contacts in the starter switch get pitted, develop some resistance, get hot, get pitted more, etc. I replaced mine a yr ago.
Could be brushes in the starter, too. Had that problem, which led to the switch problems, too. Got a good rebuilt starter from Rock Auto, good price.
Al
54 TF Emma
A W Parker

I tried the love tap; the starter rotates easily as does the spindle so there wasn't any change.
I checked every connection and tightened as necessary. Tried the jumper idea but the spark coming from the positive terminal on the starter switch was significant and I actually slightly melted the float chamber on the carb! Guess I am heading for a new set of cables and a starter.
Cheers,
Tim
Tim Moylan

Check for a bad ground also. Connect a jumper cable from the ground battery terminal directly to one of the starter mount bolts (make sure you have a good connection) then try it. That will rule out a bunch of possible bad connections. Put a volt meter on the switch- while cranking it should be the same on both sides. Higher on the battery side would indicate a bad switch.
George Butz

Bad grounds ...a subject that has come up many times on here. Very common on freshly painted cars. Easy cure is dremmel tool. Disconnect the battery before you go "hunting"!
David Sheward

Here's a summary of my actions:
-Jumped the terminals on the starter switch and the starter didn't move.
-Checked for bad grounds and found nothing.
-Ran jumper cable from ground terminal to starter mount bolt a number of times (also scrapped paint off bolt) and nothing happened with the starter.
-checked voltage on both sides of switch and values were equal.
Sounds like I may have a bad starter. Any other thoughts?
Thanks for the help.
Tim Moylan

...you say the starter turns? My thought, and it has happened a couple of times to me, is to put the car in gear and rock it a few times....but this only if it is stuck in the ring gear
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

If it isn't stuck and spins and you have a good battery, sounds like an internal problem. Easy to unbolt. If the original type with the brush inspection band, take that off and take a look. The brushes could be worn out, a broken spring or something like that. George
George Butz

Got the starter motor out, and inspected the brushes, etc(guts looked rusted and worn). Took it to my local garage shop and they tested it; spun once at very low speed and then not again. Ordering a rebuilt today.
Thanks to everyone for their assistance in debugging the problem.
Safe travels,
Tim
Tim Moylan

This thread was discussed between 20/04/2012 and 22/04/2012

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