Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Finch661 · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject:

i did think that the ignition was far too advanced, hes the starter. but the starter isnt even turning, just clicking. the shaft wont spin, i think that the motor is engaged (and stuck). it happens from time to time with the starter.

i will try again tonight
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

Nic Jarman · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

It is starting to sound like you are chasing your own tail and not trusting the work that you have done. Borrow a strobe light. Check the plug leads, get engine to TDC on No1 compression stroke with the points just open. check where the rotor arm is pointing, make sure that lead goes to No1 plug. The dizzy runs anti clockwise and the firing order is 1-3-4-2. Take all the plugs out and make sure there is a healthy spark on all 4 plugs. If this is the case put the plugs back in and start the engine. If the engine does not start check that there is fuel and compression and leave the dizzy alone untill the engine gets started and it can be strobed. Try swapping the condenser with the spare that we all carry. BTW the starter motors on the Midget are prone to go open circuit on one segment that makes them intermitent.
_________________
1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

Finch661 · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:36 pm Post subject:

i have managed to set up the static timing, using the method you mentioned nic. firing order is correct, and i get a healthy spark at each of the plugs. the problem i have is that the starter is broken. i managed to unjam the starter for a bit, cranked the engine for a bit (no start though) and then clunk. starter jammed and it just clicks with not turning over. cant seem to unjam it
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

I think most starters have a square end to the commutator shaft, sticking out the back. Sometimes it's covered by a tin cap.
The theory is that by turning the shaft backwards, it will un-jam itself. It's a small square, 3/8" or 7/16", as I recall.

If that fails, loosening the starter bolts will free it.

If that fails, the starter will have to come off for cleaning, lubing, replacement etc etc..

I assume no more backfires?
This is a really dumb question, but have you worked out why it won't start even when the starter motor is working? Sorry!
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

Nic Jarman · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 1:38 am Post subject:

Take the starter motor out ( 3 bolts I think ) and does it whizz over when the key is turned. How good is your battery?
_________________
1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

Finch661 · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 1:33 pm Post subject:

turning the shaft doesnt seem to do anything. its very difficult to turn, and every so often when it is free, the starter still clicks. I went out to the car the car this morning and cranked the engine, got a quarter of a revolution then crunch/clunk...click click.

the battery is charged (9 months old), when i was tinkering with it last night i was using a battery booster. i will take it out and see whats going on
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

From 3000 miles away, crunch/clunk...click click sounds like a dead battery!
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

Finch661 · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:52 pm Post subject:

usually i would agree, but i tried again with a jump start from a car, and nothing. just clicks. i put the lights on and they dont dim when cranking/at least trying to crank
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

If there's just a cklick and the lights don't dim either the lead from solenoid to starter is off or the solenoid or starter motor have faied.
_________________
Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

Finch661 · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:32 pm Post subject:

i think its the latter, i have double checked the connections, even cleaned them up. i have added a secondary earth point but its still clicking
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

Nic Jarman · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:49 pm Post subject:

Don't you just love cars with starter handles.
_________________
1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

Finch661 · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:59 pm Post subject:

i am beginning to Smile

or one of those fancy modern cars....that start in the morning.... might trade the midget in for a fabia vRS....
_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

Have you tried jumping the solenoid terminals together?
If the starter spins it is a solenoid problem. If not - blame the starter.
_________________
Quote from my late Dad:- You only need a woman and a car and you have all the problems you
are ever likely to want". Computers had not been invented then!

Finch661 · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 11:00 am Post subject:

thats a good plan Smile

will try it tonight Smile

_________________
1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

bob2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1727 Location: Malta

was gonna say the same as jim said, bridge the solenoid with a screwdriver or a spanner and see what happens!!
the hunter has the factory solenoid with a switch to crank the engine from the engine bay, very handy too when theres no one else to help you