MG Car Repair: solenoid, starter solenoid, mgb parts

Question
My recently acquired 1979 MGB had most of the wiring pulled out and changed (prior owner) and using Haynes and the essential manual I have got it rewired back 90% ( has taken months). When I tried to start it it wanted to run but just wouldn't. I changed the coil to a non-ballasted 12 volt coil and removed the pink white wire with the same result. Further study revealed that the resistor wire and 6 volt coil are the better way to go. When I test the cranking voltage I get 10.86 volts at the resistor wire but no voltage from the white/green solenoid wire. I have removed the wire white/green from the coil and have tested it using the wire and at the solenoid blade connector without the wire. I am assuming that the solenoid is faulty and am considering desoldering the field connections( it won't come apart otherwise) and checking it out. Is that do able? Is there a cross reference that I could buy a new one at my local autoparts store ( they don't have much MGB parts availability)? The Lucas numbers are 76877b 24 78 lucas 19s.

Answer
Hi there!
I don't know about trying to repair the solenoid. I would first put 12 volts directly to it to see if it energizes/closes - you should hear it click if it is working. If not I'd just purchase a new one from Moss Motors. I believe it is a white/red wire from the ignition switch which energizes the starter solenoid relay which in turn through a white/brown wire energizes the actual starter solenoid. I trust you have obtained a wiring diagram for the 79 MGB as working on any wiring issues is very difficult without one.  Good luck and I hope this helps.
Brian