[TR] TR4A - First breakdown today

[pethier at comcast.net]

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Phil Ethier West Side Saint Paul Minnesota USA
1973 Triumph Stag LE22439UBW "uncle jack", Sapphire Blue
2004 Suburban 8.1, Sport Red, the only automatic of the bunch
2005 Lotus Elise, Bordeaux Red Pearl
2007 Saturn Ion 3 2.4, Berry Red
pethier [at] comcast [dot] net
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pethier
http://www.triumphtransamerica.org.uk
http://www.mnautox.com

----- Original Message -----
> From: "G.D. Huggins" <guy at genfiniti.com>
> To: triumphs at autox.team.net
> Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 4:42:59 PM
> Subject: [TR] TR4A - First breakdown today
> Listers,
> 
> Well, it took 1100 miles, but the car experienced its first breakdown
> while
> driving, just 1.5 hours ago.
> I took it to the office, and it ran terrific.
> Went to head to my second stop, and it would not start. Just the click
> of the
> relay.. nothing else.
> No worries, I roll started the car and drove to my second stop, which
> happens
> to be a British Garage..
> 
> Same problem happened there. The mechanic did a little troubleshooting
> and
> determined I have a short in the starter itself.
> So, we undid the starter cable at the solenoid, roll-started the car,
> and I'm
> on my way home.
> Car is running awesome..
> 
> On the drive I got behind some slow traffic. I turned off the OD
> switch, put
> my foot back on the gas, and the car would not accelerate.
> It reacted to the throttle, but just barely. No matter how much
> throttle I
> gave it, it just wouldn't rev.
> It went from terrific, to crap, instantaneously.
> If I remember correctly, the ignition warning light was on as well.
> 
> Quick call to Hagerty Roadside Assistance, and the car is safe at
> home.
> 
> My thoughts are that the two issues are related; that my lack of power
> is
> somehow electrical, not mechanical.
> I believe this because it happened so soon after the starter was found
> to be
> shorted.
> 
> I'm thinking the starter short introduced some gremlin in the ignition
> system,
> which hit when I turned off the OD.
> 
> Also, what's some opinion on rebuilding the starter, versus replacing?
> Does anyone have any experience with the fancy "gear reduction
> starter"?
> 
> Thank in advance. Starting to feel like a British car owner now!!
> 
> 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Guy D. Huggins