M.P. Trebelhorn wrote:
>
> Okay, here's the situation:
>
> '70 MGB, intermittent starter failure.
> Twisting the key will always trip the relay, which will *not* always engage
>the
> solenoid. Three basic modes:
>
> 1 (95% of the time) Turn the key, starter works, car starts.
> 2 (4.5% of the time) Turn the key, relay clicks, nothing else.
> 3.(remaining .5%) Turn the key, starter spins, but does not engage.
>
> 1 and 3 can take place on subsequent key-twists. 1 and 2 (or 2 and 1)
> have been happening on opposite ends of a drive or mechanical work. (push it
> started and drive home, when I get there it works again; or, for example, pull
> the starter, bench test, re-install, and it works again. For a while.)
>
> This is a bit unnerving (esp. #3). Any thoughts/suggestions?
>
> The starter is less than six months old, 5k miles ago (3 months) the flywheel
> was inspected and was not missing any teeth, the car has no other electrical
> problems (touch wood).
>
> Matt
Consider wiring a voltmeter in semi-permanent connected to the tag that
operates the
solenoid and the body of the starter. That should tell you if the problem is
internal to the starter/solenoid or external.
In my youth I had a Mini van that started doing your 0.5, and wisdom among my
peers
was 'dirty pinion, wash it in petrol'. It worked for a week. After several
attempts
I got fed up and consulted a member of the Badger Club (someone with grey
hair).
'Put a little light oil on it and wipe off any excess'. Never had any more
trouble
with it. Your new starter may be too dry.
PaulH.
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