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 MGB Technical - Dead Battery or Not?

Hi,

I seem to have a bit of a problem.

After a recent rebuild I re-charged the batteries (2x6volts) on a 72 Gt. Looking into each of the cells there seemed to be lots of bubbles - hopefully showing signs of a good recharge.

Back in the car I just get clattering of the solenoid. The connections seem fine to me and the headlights do not dip much when attempting to start up.

Any other suggestions of what the problem might be before I splash out on what might be an unnecessary battery replacement.

Ta.
Iwan Jones


Iwan
Are you sure that you replaced the engine earth lead?, the one that goes from the frame onto the front engine mount, also make sure that the battery leads definitely are making good contact, they sometimes look OK whereas they can be faulty,this is quite a common fault on MGBs
Harry
H.E.W. Walker

Pull the battery and haul it down to a decent shop and have them load test it. The description of your problem sounds like either bad contact or faulty starter to me. You might try jumping the solenoid to see it that gets the starter engaged.

mike!

I'm not too keen or relying on the negative cable going through the body/chassis/frame/ect. I ran a welding cable from the battery to the engine. Doesn't look factory, but it starts.

You could try that to determine if your problem is not getting the juice to the engine as opposed to not having enough due to a low battery charge.
Glenn

You stated that the headlights "don't dip much" when trying to start the car. Unless you only have one good battery, there should be enought power to at least turn it over if the headlights are still on.

Sure you have the batteries hooked up correctly? Your using two 6 volds. Have to have them corret to get 112 volts. First step is checking connections, nest is checking batteries and if these are good, move on to grounding, and selinoids and starter.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2004 and 24/06/2004

MG MGB Technical index

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