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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 TD TF 1500 - Starter Problem

My 1952 TD has a starting problem, much like the thread "Starter Problem Revisited". When I pull the starter, nothing happens. This happened a few times, but upon a few minutes wait or upon jump starting, it would later work to start the car.

Now I get nothing after waiting a few days. The battery is new and fully charged. When I pull the starter, the lights dim, so I know the Starter Motor is drawing power. When I studied the problem, I noticed the Starter Motor was extremely hot, even after sitting for 15 minutes. Is the Starter Motor burned out? It seems like it was failing, and now is dead. Should I buy a new one, or can it be repaired? It looks like a fairly strait forward job to switch out the Starter Motor. Are there any tricks to watch out for?

By the way, regarding vapor problems, I have noticed that when cranking a hot motor, a very light tap on the throttle after cranking for 3 seconds does the trick. Any more than that seems to add to the problem. I am looking forward to getting the starter problem fixed to try the choke trick I have just read about.

Thanks
Paul B Sheldon

Paul - Check to see if the starter drive gear is jammed on the flywheel. There is a square end sticking out the back of the starter (It may have a round cap over it). put a wrench on the square end and see if you can rotate the starter motor. If it won't rotate easily, apply back and forth pressure and see if the gear will pop loose. If this is the problem, the ring gear on the flywheel will have to be replaced. If the starter turns freely and will work after that, then the starter needs to be rebuilt. You can have that done at any local auto electric shop - they are very simple to rebuild. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

If you decide to buy a replacement starter motor, check the price at Rock Island Auto. I bought a Beck Arny re-manufactured unit and it works great. Their warranty and return policies are better than most. Their prices are great for many MG parts.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Frank Grimaldi
Frank Grimaldi

paul, i am curious as to what you accomplish when you very lightly tap the accelerator pedal on a variable venturi carb that has no accelerator pump.
will cranking airflow be enough to raise a piston to move a needle to effect mixture? regards, tom
tom peterson

Coming back from Reno this summer, I picked up a starter for my MGA at O'Reilly's auto parts in Shreveport for about 50 bucks. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

This thread was discussed between 01/10/2011 and 05/10/2011

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