MG Car Repair: 1977 MG MIDGET STARTER PROBLEMS, auto parts stores, starter problems

Question
Hello:

I have spent the last month or so attempting to bring a 1977 MG Midget back from the grave.  Everything has been going well, and I have done all the major work I thought was needed.  When I went out to start her today however, she will not start.  At first the starter would engage very slowly, but I am now down to just a click.  Can you help?

Thanks

Morgan

Answer
Hi Morgan,
The first thing to do is charge the battery and check the battery voltage when finished (12.5+ voltage) then try the starter again. If it does not turn over fast put a volt meter across the posts of the battery and read the voltage when the starter is engaged. It should be 10+ volts and spinning fast. If it is not have the battery load tested. (most auto parts stores will do that free)
If the engine does not hardly turn over and the voltage is high (12v) you need to run voltage drop tests on the positive cables and the negative cables.
A quick mechanics test of cable connections is to hold the starter engaged for several seconds and quickly feel the cable ends for any heat. Heat at a cable end is a sign of a bad connection (even if it is tight)
Howard