It's Tuesday night.
So, there I am in the garage, ready to work on the Tiger (for the first
time in weeks). I decide to disconnect the coil feed to the distributor
as an easy way to turn over the engine a little without starting the
car in an effort to move some oil about. Turn the key, let the fuel pump
run a bit (no reason, just habit), turn to start position, solenoid
clicks and SMOKE. Off immediately, get out, check for fire (none...must
be my karma). So, says I, it's late, it's dark, it's probably a loose
ground between the tranny and the frame. I notice that the battery
positive side terminal is too hot to touch. I'll check it Saturday.
It's Saturday.
Jack up car, insert jack stands, look down under. Ground is OK. Car
back on ground. Try again with the key, same deal, but a lot of
solenoid clicking but no turning of the starter. THIS time I notice
what looks like solder is splashed near the positive battery terminal.
Fascinating. I figure that I was sloppy during some previous work.
Still looking for clues, I try again (I am a little slow sometimes).
Key off.
Get out. Look at battery - I arrive just in time to see the last bit of
plus-side battery terminal melt and the cable fall to the floor of the
trunk. This is new to me. Curiouser and curiouser.
So, says I, maybe the positive battery cable is NFG. I was about to
bypass it and go straight to the starter with a jumper cable when the
lightbulb in my brain (2.5W today) went on. Checked with an Ohmmeter
and found perfect continuity from the positive terminal of the starter
to its case. Removed starter from car and rechecked - no change. Use
jumper cables directly to starter - fireworks. This is not good, says
I.
OK, there is my sad, sad story. Now what I need to know (FINALLY, I
hear you cry) is: what is an appropriate replacement for this beast (the
starter, that is) or does this sound like a candidate for a rebuild? My
usual parts supplier cannot find a cross-reference for a Ford
D2AF11131CA, any suggestions?
Thanks for the bandwidth.
--
Rick Hoefle 1964 Tiger B9470508 - HIS
1969 MGC - HERS
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