Phil:
The coil on your car gets power two ways. When the starter is
cranking power is supplied through a terminal on the starter motor that
bypasses the regular coil circuit. When the starter stops cranking the coil
is only supplied power through the regular ballasted circuit. My bet is
that you have a bad contact in the starter solenoid assembly that supplies
power to the coil during starter cranking. The coil is only getting powered
when the starter is not cranking, giving you the symptom you describe. Put
a volt meter on the + side of the coil and check for power when the engine
is cranking. Alternatively install a jumper from the fuse box to the + side
of the coil, then try cranking the engine. It should start. When it does,
make sure you remove the jumper, as leaving it in place will over load the
ignition circuit.
Kelvin.
-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Farmer [mailto:swimmer@seark.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000 5:13 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: 80 MGB won't start
On my 1980 MGB (which I don't drive but once or twice a month - needs front
end work) it has started not starting. It has always started well.
I have a manual choke on the Zenith. New spark plugs, getting good fuel
flow. I was able to get it started by towing it took along time. After it
started it ran well, no missing or hesitation, etc. After getting home it
started fine. Now can't start.
One odd thing is: after turning over for a few seconds it seems to start
(kick in) as you turn key off.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil Farmer
http://www.seark.net/~swimmer - Arkansas Swimming Home Page
Monticello Marlins (Arkansas Swimming - USS)
Monticello Billies High School Swim Team
Burlington Ind.
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