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 TD TF 1500 - TF Starter problem

So a week or two ago there was a "time between breakdowns" thread and I bragged about having never had one. Well, you know how that had to end...

So I was running errands yesterday, and coming out of stop #1 I pulled the starter only to have nothing happen. Now I have seized the starter before (in the garage and totally my fault), so I knew what the problem was and how to fix it--which is much easier to do in the garage when the engine is cold than in a parking lot when the engine is hot, by the way. I managed to unlock it with only minimal knuckle/manifold contact.

Stop 2, no problem. Stop 3, no problem. Stop 4, seized starter, more knuckle/manifold contact, plus carburator dome imprint on my forearm. Stop 5 no problem and then home.

This morning it fired right up. So what might be causing this?

Thanks,
Andy
TF0537
Andy T White

Andy.
A possible sticking brush in the holder can do this. Disassemble starter and clean brushes and holders. Sanding the brushes with fine sandpaper will allow them freedom to move. Check for blue or burned spots on the copper segments. If so it will have to be turned and checked for shorts. Any Generator shop can do this.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

andy, i believe to troubleshoot this you need to determine if you have a mechanical problem (stuck bendix, worn starter bushings) or an electrical problem ((internal starter electrical problem..windings, brushes)or external electrical (bad or weak battery, bad connections power or ground, bad stater switch)) do you have a significant power draw when you activate the stater? how old is the battery and, if not maintenance free, is the electrolyte level correct? regards, tom
tom peterson

Andy,
All the T-series MGs and the MGA come with a hand crank—not hard to use it either!
David Werblow

I have found leaving it in gear and gently rocking it usually works and saves on knuckles....
gblawson(gordon)

David,
My particular TF came to me without a crank handle, and I've had what I assumed were more practical things to spend the money on. I was cursing myself for having not bought one in those parking lots, though. It has moved up the list now!

Gordon,
I did not know you could do that, but it certainly makes sense once you think about it. I almost wish it would seize up again so I could try that! Luckily, however, today six stops and no problems.

Regards,
Andy
TF0537
Andy T White

Deal with it soon; it will not get better, just worse... Follow Tom Peterson's advice above. My guess is bad bushings and/or dry pinion. Jerry Felper does a nice rebuild.

Tom
t lange

OR,,,,, buy a starter from an MG midget,,,,
Steve Wincze

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2010 and 24/05/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.