[TR] TR4 Question

[Mike Welch]

Don't forget to check the physical ground cables by feeling for sponginess. 
My Spit had a similar problem a few years ago.  Continuity and resistance 
where it should be.  Hit the started and everything would die until moving 
the ground cable around.  The ground cable was clean on both ends, no 
corrosion at the terminal ends.  A section in the middle was corroded, felt 
like sand under the insulation.

Mike Welch
Colorado Springs, CO
'69 Triumph Spitfire MkIII x2
'69 Honda SL350

-----Original Message----- 
From: Bob Labuz
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2012 3:46 PM
To: Tim Purdy
Cc: TR List
Subject: Re: [TR] TR4 Question

Tim,

I would start out with the 2 primary ground connections, the one from
the battery to the firewall and the 2nd from the left front of the
engine to the frame. Insure connections are clean and tight. You should
have metal on metal. When I did my 4 a few years back, I soldered a
copper washer to the firewall where the ground attaches. I always insure
it as well as the cable end are bright and shinny. The ground on the
engine and frame should be metal to metal, no grease, paint etc.

Then I would look at the battery connection to the solenoid. Same there,
clean and tight. Third the Lucar connections on the solenoid itself.
They may be oxidized from higher than normal current flows. Also they
should be very tight. You might have to squeeze them a bit. The wire
that runs the solenoid (white / red I believe) may be the problem.

Then inspect the cable from the solenoid to the starter. Same procedure,
clean and tight.

The only thing left is the starter ground itself. If all else fails,
remove the starter and clean with a wire brush down to the metal the
area where the starter attaches to the engine block and the starter
itself. Right down to bare metal.

Good luck.

Bob

On 01/15/2012 05:22 PM, Tim Purdy wrote:
> It has been a long time since I have had to post a problem so guess I have
> been very fortunate.
>              Here is the situation. I will do my best to be clear, 
> concise, but
> provide details as well. I am having a major starting problem. One of the 
> few
> things I never replaced was the starter solenoid. (By the way new battery
> installed in October) Called up Moss Motors and purchased a new one.
> Installed, turned right over. Two days later, first thing in the morning,
> clicks, nothing., actually just like it was before I replaced the 
> solenoid.
> Several more attempts, boom, off and running.  Run errands, go here, and
> there, not a problem for the rest of the day. Even attend my college board
> meeting, that went on for five hours, and when I left at night it was 20
> degrees, but it starts.  Next morning, does not want turn over. Several 
> more
> clicks, and blast off, yet each subsequent day its gets harder and harder 
> to
> start. I did put a new starter motor in 2005, along with ignition switch.
>              Any ideas, as I am clueless.
> Tim