[TR] TR4A - First breakdown today

[Bob Labuz]

Guy,

Your last failure sounds like a really dead battery as Randall 
suggested. Check that out first.

Then remove both the starter and generator and bench test them with a 
good battery.

I have been lucky over the years and have had good luck with the stock 
Lucas starters. But I have heard good things about the new generation 
starters. They are available just about everywhere, not only the big 3.

If all checks out, you may have to check out the control box. I think 
Randall has a link to a PDF supplied by Lucas for instructions on how to 
troubleshoot your charging circuit.

Rebuilding a starter is not too bad if the commutator is not shorted. If 
you can get the parts, a local auto electrical shop should be able to 
rebuild the unit. Generators are available at the big 3.

Do you recall what your ammeter was reading at the time?

Keep us informed on your progress.

Bob

On 01/19/2012 05:42 PM, G.D. Huggins wrote:
> 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
> 1965 Triumph TR4A
> CTC 63569LO