MG Car Repair: 1978 MGB, starter solenoid, test lead

Question
I had to change out a bad battery. after I installed a new battery the starter will not kick in. when i turn the key it does nothing. I can push the car and it will start right up. what did I do. what do I need to do to fix it?
thanks

Answer
Hi Mark,
You most likely have a bad connection so you need to do "Voltage Drop" tests on the (+) and (-) cables.

You will need a volt meter to run the tests. First check the voltage across the battery posts (not the cable ends)(12+ volts) Then put the positive test lead of the voltmeter on the (+) post of the battery (not the cable end) and put the (-) test lead on the (+) post of the starter solenoid with the voltmeter set on a low volt scale (0 to 3v or such) and try to start the engine. You should not see any more than about .5v Then put the negative test lead on the (-) POST of the battery and the (+) test lead on a metal part of the engine and try to start the engine again and again you must not see any more than .5 v.

Another test is to put the test leads across the POSTS of the battery and try to start and note the voltage while the key is in the start position. It must not drop below 9v.

let me know,
Howard