Spridget Tech Talk (MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite)
Was running but now starter just spins. I charged battery and tried to start with charger on start mode-just spins. Any tests I can do? Do I need a new starter? Can you get to the starter from the top of the engine? thanks Jim
Jim,
Sounds like the part of the starter that slides in to engage the fly wheel is stuck.
As long as the battery is fully charged and the starter is spinning fast enough (it requires a certain amount of RPM's/torque to engage), then I would try to tap the starter with a hammer, or rubber mallet. If that doesn't work, you will probably need to pull the starter off and see what is going on.
You could also try to push/pull start the car. Then try to engage the starter, see if the heat and vibration from the engine will jar the starter.
Others will probably chime in with some other ideas.
Good luck Bryan.
Bryan: thank you it started up with a tap from a crowbar, and now starts ok. Do I need a new starter?
Jim,
Don't know if you'll need a new starter, I would guess not.
You could loosen up the bolts that hold the starter to the bell housing, just enough to pull the starter back some, and squirt some lubricant directly on that part I mentioned, and the shaft it rides on. That may be all it needs.
If the car has been sitting for a while, then it may just need to be used to loosen it up. New parts are available to rebuild that portion of the starter if you want to.
You take your chances of getting stuck somewhere, keep some tools with you. You can probasbly push start the car if you had to.
Bryan