Starter wiring question

Hello all, I'm hoping you can help me with a little problem, I've recently had the engine and box out to fit a new clutch (I think I might hold the record for most worn out release bearing, gone, just two shards of metal!) upon reinstalling the starter motor i realised I have accidentley pulled one of the two little spades off, I've tried to solder it back on but there is hardly anything to solder it onto so promptly fell off, is there a quick fix? what do those two wires do? can I wire them together onto the remaining spade?
I thank you in advance,
Graham.

If you are talking about the two smaller wires, they have to be connected. I know the brown and slate one gives the starter power, but don't remember what the other does. Not much help from me but the experts will arrive soon

Yes, I do mean the two smaller wires

Ok, use this for identify the wire colors and what they do
http://www.mgexperience.net/article/lucas-colours.html
I don't think you can solder them together as they do two different things. But the car will not start right if one isn't connected. My starter relay contact to starter solenoid wasn't connected recently and the before the car would start it would give a thumping sound for about 5-6 seconds. Goodluck

Olin

Good old Blackpool rock! I remember it well

p.s it's a 79 BGT, you familiar with Blackpool Gerry?

Of course! Used to go to the holiday camps in the late 50's, Illuminations, you name it. Born and brought up in Wigan before moving across the pond

Should've realised by your user name! I'm a native of Birmingham but have been up north for the last 9 years, you wouldn't recognise the prom these days! Do you miss the pies?!! :-)

I was last in Blackpool about 6 years ago. Of course I miss the pies not fogetting the mushy peas and chips all swilled down with a good pint of bitter and watching the match of the day.... poor old Wigan Athletic.

Good luck with your problem

Cheers


Gerry

One wire goes to the starter motor solenoid to actuate the solenoid, when you turn the ignition key to start. The other one also goes to the starter solenoid, but its function is to send 12 volts to your ignition coil while the engine is cranking over. Normally, only 6 volts is going to your coil when the engine is running. The extra voltage, when cranking, helps the engine to start quicker. The two spade terminals should be different sizes so that you can only install them one way. RAY

Thanks for that, can I safely assume that I need to get that spade fixed?I don't recall them being different sizes but I did note which way they went on when I removed them!
Thanks again,
Graham

The big question is; which spade broke off? If it's the one that actuates the solenoid, you'll have to fix it or replace the solenoid. If it's the one that sends 12 volts to the coil on startup, you may be able to get away with connecting the two wires together, as the solenoid actuating wire is only hot when the key is in the start position and won't effect the engine once it is running. RAY