MG Car Repair: starter problem, starter problem, battery connection

Question
I have a 1972 MGB, it has been starting fine, last time I started it ran and for some reason the engine stop, I re-started again (right after the engine stop). I heard two gears grinded together.
after that I started again but it not engaged. I can hear the starter motor running each time i start.
would you please let me know why the gears don't engage? Do I need to buy a new starter?

Thank you
Van


Answer
Hi Van,
There are several things that can cause the starter to spin without spinning the engine. A 72 MGB has a solenoid mounted on the starter itself and it has several functions. When you turn the key to "Start" , the solenoid on the starter is activated which is suppose to pull a lever to engage the starter bendix gear to the flywheel and at the same time connect the battery cable to the starter motor. It also is suppose to connect a light duty holding coil to hold the gear and the contact to the battery in place while disconnecting the strong pulling coil.

Some times when a battery is low (or a bad battery connection) it will just spin the starter motor but not connect the gear. Other possible causes are that the bendix is damaged and will not drive the gear or the lever is broken.

The first is to check the battery condition and all cable connection (+) and (-) then remove the starter and check to see that the bendix gear only rotates in one direction and check the movement of the bendix gear when the solenoid is activated.
Howard