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MG MGF Technical - Starter motor ?

Hi everyone.
Slight problem with my 1999 'F. I turn the ignition key and the engine doesnt turn over. I "wiggle" the lead to the starter motor and it starts. I can then leave it a few days without driving and the same problem sometimes happens again. Very good MGF garage has cleaned the terminals but cant find a problem. Could it be the actual starter motor and is it difficult for me to repace myself.
Any help appreciated
Paul
Paul Carugati MGF

Can you hear a 'click' when you turn the key to the 'start' position? If not, it may be the solenoid that engages the starter gear onto the flywheel that is getting stuck. Instead of wiggling the cables, try tapping firmly on the body of the starter motor with a long bar / trolley jack handle; if it then starts OK then a new starter motor may be the easiest solution, as the solenoids are not designed to be serviceable. Not a difficult job, access isn't too tricky so shouldn't leave you with bleeding knuckles... Dieter's awesome site will undoubtedly have pictures & instructions to guide you.

More likely IMHO is electrical resistance (still), being magnified by the large current draw when starting. A cheap fix to get a good connection on the starter terminals is to brush on a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water to all the contact surfaces, leave for a few minutes & then rinse well. This removes surface corrosion in a chemical way that regular cleaning doesn't, so well worth doing the same on the battery terminals.
bandit

Thanks bandit. There is no "click" when turning the engine over so I will have a go at your method of cleaning the terminals.
Thanks again ...Paul
Paul Carugati MGF

all working....thanks bandit.
Paul Carugati MGF

So baking soda did the trick? A good tip to have in the archives!
Leigh

This thread was discussed between 20/04/2008 and 24/04/2008

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