Triumph Repair: tr6 ignition, solenoid starter, ventilator fan

Question
Hi:
I have a 1975 Trimph TR6 that is in very good condition. The previous owner said at one time he had a kill switch installed. It has since been taken out. The other day I went to start it and had only a click. The battry was fine and the car would not start even with a push, the key was in the on position. I now have a whining noise when I turn the key. It is not the starter doing this. Any answers?
Thanks
Doug

Answer
Doug,

Do you know what type of "kill switch" was setup?  Sometimes they're setup to kill the main feed, typically in line from the battery to the solenoid feed (+ side) or on the battery to ground lead (- side).

Another common one is to take the lead from the ignition switch to coil and put a simple on-off switch there.

Although honestly is sounds more like there is a loose connection on the battery to solenoid/starter setup.  You might start by disconnecting the battery (to prevent shorting something accidentally!) and undoing the connectors at the solenoid to see if there are any loose connections, dirty connectors or corroded connectors.

I don't have my wiring diagrams handy, so I can't give any detailed suggestions for tracing the wiring right now.

As to the whine, is it a high pitched "electronic" whine, like a warning buzzer?  Or could it be noise from the ventilator fan motor?


Cheers,

Jim