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MG MGA - Removing Starter Motor MGA 1500

Gentlemen,
I am having some difficulty in attempting to remove my MGA starter motor. After removing the two bolts/studs which hold it to the engine plate, I can pull it out for about 2 Inches (50mm) and no more. I have also noticed that the oil filter stops it from travelling much further forward as well, and there isn't enough distance between the edge of the sump and the chassis(which tapers toward the front) to drop it downwards, even if I could withdraw it fully. The steering column also stops me from pulling it upward. I don't have a manual and I am absolutely stuck here. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance,
Maurie
maurie prior

Maurice

I had exactly the same problem - right hand drive and spin-on oil filter.

I had to remove the oil filter!

Steve
Steve Gyles

On a low starter car, (LHD or RHD) you pull it forwards till the dog clears the bell housing, then you manoeuvre it through 90 degrees so that the spindle is at right angles to the ground, then it will just pass between engine and chassis to get it out downwards. It will go upwards too on LHD, but I prefer to let gravity help rather than battle it !

You may find that as you pull it forward, you have to wiggle a bit to get it to come further. Disconnecting the cable also makes life easier.

If you have a high starter car then I guess Steve is right, you do have to remove the oil filter.

I don't see why the "improvement" was made to create the high starter car - the starter then protrudes into the floor in the right footwell, is harder to replace and requires more parts (the bubble in the footwell). Unless it allowed a commonisation of bellhousing or backplate with another model, it makes no real sense.

dominic clancy

Dominic

Good call. I should have said that mine is a high starter 1800.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks gents,
I eventually got it out by removing the spin off oil filter altogether. It is a fool of a thing, when you consider, that you are required to completely drain the oil system ,and then have to remove the oil filter, just to get a starter motor out. Not complaining mind, I would much prefer to work on this than on some of the current motor vehicles. They must be a nightmare! Anyhow all's well down under, at the moment.
maurie prior

Maurie--do yourself a big favor, and get yourself a manual...although most things are straightforward on these cars, there's just enough oddities that you could find yourself in trouble without the shop manual. Cheap insurance.
R. L Carleen

Maurie, there is no need to drain the oil system to remove the oil filter.
John H

This thread was discussed between 24/04/2006 and 25/04/2006

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