A new one on me. I used my V8 as a daily driver in all weathers, parked
outside in freezing conditions, but had the opposite problem i.e. it
wouldn't crank properly when hot, just chatter.
What is the ignition warning light doing when you turn the key to crank but
nothing happens? Normally the solenoid on its own will cause a very slight
dimming, the starter (if it is being energised but can't rotate) would dim
it significantly more. Also what can you hear? On a 71 you the starter
relay on the inner wing should click, which normally would be drowned out by
a 'clonk' from the solenoid, which itself would normally be drowned out by
the whirring of the engine. Which you can still hear is an indication of
the problem.
If you can hear the solenoid clonk, and the ignition warning dims down
significantly, then that is an indication of something physically preventing
the starter motor from rotating, either something mechanically stuck or
insufficient current from the battery. What temps are these? I understand
Russians in winter turn their headlights on for a minute or so before
cranking as this 'warms up' the battery and allows it to give more current
fro cranking, than if cranking straight away.
If the solenoid clonks but the ignition warning light barely dims then
either the solenoid contact isn't closing, or the motor brushes aren't
making good contact with the commutator. Things shrink in the cold, so it's
possible something is on the margins for wear, or possibly sticking and
pulling back from making a contact as they cool.
If the relay clicks but the solenoid doesn't clonk, either power isn't
reaching the solenoid, or it is sticking.
Either of the sticking scenarios could be water in the works freezing, but
normally this should evaporate off with a decent run, or if very cold run
the engine at a fast idle (throttle wedged, not choke pulled) until the
engine *does* get hot, blanking off the radiator will help stop the fan
blasting freezing air over the engine and stopping it getting warm, as well
as allowing it to get up to full temperature once the stat does start to
open.
PaulH.
----- Original Message -----
>I use my MGB as a daily driver. It's been a reliable starter-upper the last
> couple winters even below zero. But this winter the starter seems to
> 'freeze
> up' when it's cold.
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