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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - slow starting...

Chaps...I have owned my midget for 43 years but this is a new fault on me....On first start of the day the starter motor turns very slowly..in fact it seems to bring the engine up to compression which then stalls the motor..until a second or so later it turns and fires as per normal. Any other start thereafter is absolutely fine with the SM doing its thing and the engine firing immediately. New battery; rebuilt SM with new pinion barrel, brushes and bushes, even put a dedicated earth strap on the SM housing.
Any thoughts? Thanks
Dave
David Cox

My money is on the rebuilt starter motor. Just because it was rebuilt doesn't mean it was done correctly (sadly).
Stan Kowznofski

Certainly looks that way.

Obviously check the starter is still fully bolted in, (with battery disconnected) from battery forwards check all electric connections are clean, secure and tight - battery, posts, clamps, solenoid, starter, ignition switch (connections and switch itself).

But it sounds like the starter.
Nigel Atkins

thanks both...I 'll have a look around.. seems like a current issue..maybe the internal contacts in the solenoid are suspect
cheers, Dave
David Cox

I have a similar sort of problem,on my 1275,with the ignition set correctly using a strobe, and vacuum gauge, on cold starting, the starter motor just seems to hit a brick wall, and has trouble overcoming compression. If I retard the ignition a bit, the starting is fine.
The car goes quite well on the retarded setting, but on the correct setting it goes like a bomb. I would obviously like to use the correct setting, so do you think a high torque starter motor is the answer.


I have no idea how old the starter is, it may be as old as the car.


Last compression check figures were high on 1 and 4, at 200 psi.


Dave
Dave Barrow

just been out poking under the bonnet...started the engine by manually pressing in the contact in the solenoid, the car nearly did a somersault and fired immediately..so I suspect a dodgy solenoid unit..
Dave
David Cox

David before you buy another solenoid take it off, clean the base where it mounts and the place on the inner wing where it sits with emery paper, then add a little Vaseline to the mounting point and try it again
They earth through that point and a decent connection there works wonders

If this cures it, (betya!) paint round the cleaned up bit to seal in the rustlessness
Bill sdgpM

thanks for your suggestion, Bill. Summat to try, definitely...
David Cox

Dave B,
if everything is correct on your car then it sounds like a hi-torque would help, I don't need one but I'm on my second and wouldn't go back to a standard starter.

You don't want to install a hi-torque to cover a fault on the car though.
Nigel Atkins

A good spot from Bill, one I'd forgotten about so good to be reminded.
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel, now I just have to convince the wife that £200 is essential.

Dave
Dave Barrow

Get her to bump start the car a few times Then suggest it.
GuyW

My wife would be very surprised that it only wanted £200 spending.

That's the thing, you don't need but want, you can't justify the need but if you have the want and have the money (acceptable to your wife) then get it as hopefully the only regret will be that you didn't get it sooner which will pass with time and use of the new starter.

Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2018 and 30/06/2018

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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