MG Car Repair: 1977 MG MIDGET, starter solenoid, wire jumper

Question
I just replaced the starter and solenoid on my 1977 MG Midget and it was running fine for about a day.  I went to start it today however, and I am getting nothing when I turn the key.  I have checked all the connections, as well as the power to the battery.  Does it sound like the starter switch has gone bad?

Thanks
Morgan

Answer
Hi Morgan,
Did you check the connections electrically or just visually? If not put a test light on the connection of the white w/red tracer wire at the solenoid with the key in the "start" position. This tells if current is sent to the solenoid to activate it. If no current is there, check the same wire connection at the ignition switch in the "Start" position. Do you get idiot lights on the dash when you turn the key on? This tells you that the ignition switch is sending power to some items (not necessarily all). Take a very large jumper wire (jumper cable) and just touch the two large posts on the starter solenoid to bridge the solenoid to see if the main power/grounds are connected. The starter should start spinning.

When anything quits working and you just replaced something, you should always check that first. Not by looks but by an electrical test with a test light or volt meter.

Howard