Triumph Repair: Triumph Vitesse 2 litre MK 1- non starter, recon gearbox, starter solenoid

Question
After fitting a recon gearbox(with D typeoverdrive)on my Vitesse, i can't start the engine.The starter motor solenoid clicks but the engine won't turn over. I've had the motor out and tested it all seems o.k. I've run an earth straight from the battery to the starter motor body, nothing. I'm stummped. Would the overdrive wiring be anything to do with it. Could the box have been put in differently disturbing the teeth/mesh allignment.

Any suggestion greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, chris  

Answer
Chris,

Verify battery voltage with a voltmeter (should be greater than 13v for a "good" battery)

Clean all connectors/terminals/contacts on the starting circuit (battery leads, solenoid connections, starter lead connection, ground strap).  If there isn't a grounding strap from the body to engine or battery to engine it's not a bad idea to add one.

If the above doesn't get it, short across the two large terminals on the starter solenoid.  If the motor won't kick then it's either the starter is bad, the lead from the starter to solenoid is bad, or the starter bendix is jammed in the flywheel.

You do have the correct locating pins still installed between the engine and transmission?  If so, getting a mis-alignment would require some work.


Cheers,

Jim