[Spridgets] Trying to start up the old MG

[Jim Johnson]

Whoa!!!   Don't rebuild the engine just because you get a "click" trying to
start it!!   Not saying it doesn't need it, but you ought to at least get it
running before you make that decision!   That click means that there isn't
enough current getting to the starter to turn it over.  First thing to do is
clean both battery contacts, the solenoid contacts, and then the contact at
the starter and the ground contact (engine to frame).  If the starter still
doesn't turn over you can move on to the more expensive stuff! Next item
would be how much cranking power is left in the battery...

Point is... its not the engine that is clicking!!  It's the solenoid!

Cheers!!
Jim

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 10:24 PM, Kyle Werner <kmwerner at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hey forum,
> I recently brought home my dad's MG midget 1970 (1275cc) and I'm hoping to
> get it running and fixed up. I've been quickly going through all the
> interior stuff, but thats not my real problem.
>
> The car sat in my grandparents barn for 26 years with no starts or
> anything.
> Right now, the electrical system works (surprisingly enough!), and we have
> dash lights, horn, etc. all good. When i turn the ignition, the engine lets
> out a loud click, and nothing happens.
>
> I'm going to get together with some friends tomorrow and do general
> maintenance, (oil, carbeurators, fuel, etc.) but does anybody have any
> ideas
> as to where i might start with this?
>
> I have access to basically any tool you can imagine, and my plan right now
> is to *carefully* rebuild the engine. I'm thinking that it is seized up
> from
> the inside pretty good after a long wait.
>
> Thanks for any ideas,
> -Kyle Werner
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--
Cheers!!
Jim
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a
shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress."
        John Adams
        US diplomat & politician (1735 - 1826)