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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 Midget and Sprite Technical - Which starter motor do I need?

Have the familiar CLICK CLICK Nothing when starting, which a few weeks ago was once in every three or four starts, but is now every time. Turning the spindle end and rocking the car now makes little difference, and it is now very hard to start. Probably the brushes, but could be the armature, so have decided whatever to invest in new starter motor and then take the time to strip down old one and sort it out as as a spare.
But how do I know if I have the "later" M35J or the early model, and does it matter? Haynes Manual implies that most cars now have M35J, but does that mean that they are interchangeable?
My Healey Frogeye is based on a 1963 Mk 1 midget, but anything could have happened over last 47 years, probably in 1990 when it was built. Are there obvious differences, or can I just buy an M35J on eBay for 50 and bung it on?
C Whiting

I think you will find any will fit. The differences are only in how the pinion is attached and whether it has a band round the end where the brushes are. You may also find the terminal is in a different place which might mean your cable is tight to reach it.

Trev
T Mason

Thanks for that - sounds like the later version should fit. There's a bit of slack in the harness connection, so fingers crossed. Chances are that the later type was used when the car was built in 1990 - a bit surprising if the same unit has been there since 1963.
C Whiting

This thread was discussed on 03/03/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.