MG Car Repair: 1962 Midget Starter Problem, starter problem, dull sound

Question
QUESTION: When ignition turned on and starter pulled only response is slight dimming of ignition warning light and dull sound from starter motor. Car can be push started easily. Problem was intermittent but now appears permanent. Have rotated starter motor and checked battery terminals and solenoid connections. Power is getting through to starter but solenoid terminals and leads get very warm. Help!

ANSWER: Hi Keith,
When the cables get warm, that is an indication of an excess amp draw. meaning something is using too much amperage. A partially locked up engine will do that but you say the engine runs ok when pushed off so that means you either have too thin of a cable or the cable has strands broken inside or the most likely is a dragging starter. If the heated cable seems to be in the full length of the cable and it is a standard battery cable then I would guess it is a dragging starter and you need to have a shop do a load test or amp draw test on the starter. If however the heat is only at an end of a cable then it may just be a cable connection (cable end to bolt or cable end to cable)
Howard

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QUESTION: Howard - what is meant when you say 'a dragging starter'? Regards, Keith

Answer
A dragging starter is one that draws a lot of current but just barely turns the engine. It needs a starter rebuilder or replacement if that is what you have and you need to have a starter amp draw test done to find out if that is what is wrong.
Howard