Moss Motors, Ltd

I recently purchased a 66 MGB from my neighbor for less than I spent on the car cover.  I've got a lot of rust repair to do but the cars runs... or did run.  It's been sitting for about three months.  When I picked up the car, it started after a few tries.  It was low on gas, so my first ride was 3 miles to the gas station and back.  Once I shut the engine off, I've been unable to get it restarted.  When I turn the key I can hear some clicking  noises from the area of the battery compartment but that's it..  The Horn and headlights work but its not turning over at all.  I tried to jump it to no avail.  Is this just a really dead battery or perhaps a starter problem?  I'm new to the forum and obviously, in the learning stages on auto repair, but I'm looking forward to bringing this car back from the dead,  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Aloha,

 

It sounds like the starter solenoid to me. You say that you have electrical power, and jumping it still won't turn the starter? Definitely a solenoid problem, unless......Is this car a POSITIVE ground car, and if so, I hope that you considered that when trying to jump it?

Do you have 12V at the solenoid when trying to start it?

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

Aloha Davey,

Thanks for your reply.   Uh-oh...Now that you mention it...I think It is a positive ground car. Still have power to horn, headlights etc..  I hope I haven't fried anything.  I'll try jumping it again when I get home from work.  In this case, how do I properly  and safely jump start the vehicle?  Thought I'd better ask before I do anything else potentially dangerous or damaging..  Shows you how much I know about MGBs. 

 Thanks again,

Rob

Technically you should never connect both cables to the battery being jumped due to the slight potential of the spark causing an explosion. To jump a positive ground car from a negative ground car, connect both cables to the good battery first. Then connect the cable from the negative post to the dead battery's negative post. Finally connect the positive cable to some suitable ground point on you dead car, probably the engine. You should see a small spark that indicates the ground is all right. If you connect the cables backwards, there will be a big spark. You'll know the difference.

 

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Bayless
Never express yourself more clearly than you can think
'48 Prefect
'67 Sprite (project)

Thanks enfoprefect!I appreciate your response, I'll try that today. Aloha,RobMGB66

AND...your cables will heat up!

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

Thanks Davey,

Installed a new Solenoid from Moss but no luck. There's definitely power at the Solenoid when I'm trying to start the car.  I'm wondering if it could be the starter or  perhaps the ignition switch?  Before I call a mechanic is there a fairly easy way for me to check the starter to see if it is the problem?  Replacing the ignition switch looks like a fairly easy job.

Aloha,

RobMGB66

RobMGB66:

Thanks Davey,

Installed a new Solenoid from Moss but no luck. There's definitely power at the Solenoid when I'm trying to start the car.  I'm wondering if it could be the starter or  perhaps the ignition switch?  Before I call a mechanic is there a fairly easy way for me to check the starter to see if it is the problem?  Replacing the ignition switch looks like a fairly easy job.

Aloha,

RobMGB66

Can you use a wrench to turn the motor over by hand?  If the motor is frozen or locked up it won't start.

Before condemning the ignition switch, see if you have voltage to the red/white wire connected to the solenoid when the ignition switch is in the start position.  Do you have power to the green circuit fuse when the ignition switch is in the run position?

Have you used a wrench or screwdriver to connect the two big terminals on the solenoid together?  Are both ends of each battery cable and the engine to chassis strap clean and secure?  Missing engine to chassis strap or poor battery cables won't let enough power from the battery go to the starter.  Have you tried hitting the starter with a hammer?  Frozen starter won't work.  See if your local auto parts store can test the starter.

Do you have a repair manual?

Thanks so much Kimberly,

Finally got a manual and, of course, your suggestions are right on.  Running through the process of elimination now.  I won't post again until I get it started, looking forward to hitting the starter with a hammer... just kidding. 

Aloha,

RobMGB66

Aloha Kimberly,

Used a screwdriver to connect the terminals on the solenoid and she started right away.  Haven't tested voltage to the red/white wire or the green circuit fuse, that's next.  At least I know I can get it started and not be stranded or have to rely on a push start.

Thanks again,

RobMGB66