M. W. Jordan, Jr. wrote:
>
> Good afternoon
>
> Well, the 1960 MGA 1600 I bought several weeks ago is on the road and
> running like a top. Of course it should be after an initial tune up
> quieted things down enough to determine there was a very noticeable rod
> knock. Pulling the oil pan allowed confirmation that the bearings were
> shot (this despite an alleged rebuild in the recent running past - the
> cylinders were fine with okay rings; the connecting rod bearings had
> been fitted, but the crank had not been ground so there was too much
> play. And on top of all that, the main bearings had been replaced -
> .020 over except for one shell that was .010 over. A patch of rust was
> discovered in the bearing cap which would bind - hence the shade tree
> mechanic's fix of a different bearing shell on one side of the center
> bearing). All this led to a "proper" rebuild with crank turned down to
> .030, rods sized, cylinders honed and now its has 80 lbs oil pressure
> when hot at road speed, dropping to 60 lbs hot at idle. New valve
> guides all around, new exhaust valves and I am a real happy camper.
>
> EXCEPT - the starter seems to be dragging at certain times. Sounds like
> it is hitting up against the ring gear on the flywheel. Took the
> starter off and removed the gear and springs and cleaned and greased
> real well - all to no apparent effect. The toothed gear (pinion gear ?)
> on the starter shows minor but noticeable wear on the end. Now this car
> sat for more than twenty years before I got hold of it. Could these
> springs just be tired ? The starter engages fine, but the noise that
> sometimes comes from the area is annoying, at best, and a little
> frightening at worst.
>
> I note that Moss in their catalog (page 17) notes that " MGA starters
> have a habit of chewing up the flywheel ring gear." and goes on to
> suggest that the ring gear be checked when the clutch is replaced. But
> they offer no suggestions as how to avoid or minimize the chewing.
>
> What suggestions do you have. Replace the springs (easy); replace the
> starter (easier but more costly); duct tape the pinion gear and always
> park on a hill (not the best as the MGA usually lives in a flat floored
> garage.)
>
> Advice appreciated and acknowledged.
>
> M. W. Jordan, Jr.
> Marietta, GA
The starter BENDIX DRIVE should be DRY, not greased or oiled at all. If
you oil or grease it, it will lock up. I know it sounds horrid, but it
is a fact, NO OIL, but bone dry. Also, it is advantageous to remove the
flywheel, and refit it one or two bolt holes, to present an UNWORN part
of the flywheel ring-gear to the starter. This way you get two extra
bites at the life of the ring-gear.
I am surprised at the advice by MOSS, as once again this Lucas starter
and flywheel is identical to 900,000 Farina BMC saloons, 600,000 Austin
Cambridges, 500,000 Morris Oxfords, etc, etc, all of the 1950's and
early 60's. None has a name for ring-gear wear. My own 1622 Magnette has
done 154,000 miles, on the SAME starter and ring gear.
Neil.
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