MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I'm trying to research what the correct starter solenoid is for a 1967 Mk-1 BGT, chassis # 110410, built December 1966. There appear to be two candidates - a cylindrical push-button solenoid, and a Lucas ST.4 solenoid with a totally different shape and no push button. I've seen conflicting information on which one is right - engine bay photos with both, for example, and catalog information with both. Any definitive information out there?
the barrel shaped one with push button is original....the square one is the replacement by Lucas. No 63-67 cars came with the square type as OEM.
I think Lloyd is right. However, I have seen dozens that do not have the button. I suppose they are solenoids from local auto supply places.
This button is an awfully nice feature though. Probably unsafe, but mighty handy.
Larry
Your understanding matches mine, but the Moss catalog, for example, has two different part numbers - one for 1962-65 with a push button, one for 1966-67 without. I was wondering whether the latter was an ST.4, or whether it was a cylindrical solenoid, but just without the button on the end.
Right 63-65 with button. 66-67 cylindrical solenoid without the button on the end.
All MGBs<67 used the Lucas solenoid #76445 with the rubber button as OEM. If Moss (or anybody else) shows something different, they are WRONG. Starting in '68 the MGB had a pre-engaged type and didn't need the remote solenoid. Later Lucas replacements were the square type and some later cylindrical types were out there as well, but not original.
My GT, built in early January of '67, has the cylindrical version with a push button. If it's original I can't be sure of. HTH
If you just need a solenoid, and not concerned with originality, the one for a Ford is cheap, readily available and works well.
Interesting, that would make Bhive, Moss and VB wrong as they have the round soleniod with the push button 62-66. Then they vary on 66-67 from the round without a button to square shape. I do think the square shape is a non stock replacement. Brown and Gammons, UK, list only one for 62-67 but do not show the shape.
Niels Wrote: