MGB 80 MGB Starter Issues

[1980MGBLE]

Hi everyone.
Hopefully someone can help me out:

My '80 MGB is having issues with the starter and/or starter solenoid. When I go to start the car, I hear the ignition switch relay click like it should, then when the key goes to the start position, I hear another click, then nothing. No engagement, no turning over, etc. If you keep doing this over and over it will usually eventually hit and turn over, but getting the car out of storage this year, I've been having particular difficulty with this problem.

Any thoughts? New solenoid/starter/something?

Any help is most appreciated.

 

[Steve]

First thing: Is your battery in good condition, and fully charged? Check that the connections are good.

Secondly, check the earth strap from the back of the engine to the firewall. Connections should be solid and clean.

If all is well, then check out the solenoid. I had similar symptoms on a '79, and it turned out to be a bad earth strap connection.

 

[Kimberly]

Make sure the battery is fully charged.
Make sure both ends of each battery cable connection is clean and secure.
Make sure all the connections to the starter are clean and secure.
Make sure the engine to body ground connections are clean and secure.
Check the white/brown wire from the relay to the solenoid has 12 volts when the ignition switch is in the start position. For safety reasons, you should disconnect the wire from the solenoid to prevent the motor from turning.

Possible causes can include:
poor connections
failing relay
failing solenoid
failing ignition switch

 

[Deleted member 3577]

Could be a dead spot on the armature if you check everything above and still have the problem.

A good indication that this is happening is that the car starts fine 3/4 of the time.