[TR] TR6 Electrical Issues

[William Brewer]

     My 1974 TR6 has not really be driven since the mid-80's sometime, maybe
even earlier.I have logged about 15 miles in 1 block test drives over the last
5 years.  It just put in a new front clip of the inner left fenderwell and
front valence and the bodywork is bolted back together. Before this project
(about three weeks ago) I took the car for a test drive without fenders and
hood. Now that I want to go for a test drive with the assembled car, the car
won't start. It started up the first try and then stopped when I discovered
that it was out of gas. I put in gas and then it cranked briefly and slowly. I
assumed that it was a dead battery, but the battery had been charged recently.
I heard what sounded like the starter solenoid clicking.
     When I hook up
the battery, something clinks under the hood like it is energized with the key
off. I checked it out and found that on the right side of the radiator are two
cylindrical things. The top (big) one has hoses going into it (carbon
cannister?) and the smaller bottom one has two wires attached to it. The
bottom one appears to be what is clicking when the battery is hooked up. Can
someone tell me what this thing is?
      I previously had problems with the
ignition key and it wouldn't turn or come out of the ignition. A little WD-40
and working it and it eventually turned. It is the original key. You have to
joggle the key in the start position to get the car to start, like it has a
bad contact.
     I am still trying to figure out what I have for a car and
need to drive and test it.
     TR6 electrical is a lot more complicated than
my TR3.
     I am assuming that perhaps my starter solenoid is burned out.
   
 Any advice would be appreciated.

     Bill Brewer
     Tehachapi, CA