These early starters are of the "inertial" type. The starter gear is
spun, and is on a threaded base. When it is spun, the gear's inertia
tends to keep it still, so it is thrown up the treads until it engages
the ring gear.
Possible fix: Rebuild the starter motor, it could be slow, clean and
lube the gear mechanism, and make sure your battery is fully charged.
They also tend to chew up the ring gear, which could also be your
problem.
Unfortunately, the engine backing plate and flywheel/ring gear (drive
engages ring gear from opposite direction) are different for the modern
solenoid actuated starters installed after '67, and I don't know if the
later flywheel and starter gear will fit inside the 3 syncro bell
housing. Anyone know?
--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle
'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring)
Assisting on Restoration:
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)
Parts cars:
'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT
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