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MGB Aftermarket starter for 66 mgb

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sparks

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Hey Guys. Just bought a starter from RockAuto for my 66 mgb 1.8. It looks similar to a GM starter with the solenoid mounted to the starter. It can only be mounted with the solenoid facing down. There are a few tabs on the solenoid. Has anyone used one of these to replace their original unit and I'm assuming you have to remove the original solenoid from the fenderwell?? Also, what wire connections go where on the starter??
I guess my assumption is that it will also spin the engine in the correct direction, CW viewed from the front and CCW viewed from the rear. At least, that's how it looks based on the old flywheel ring gear. Guess I'll have to test it before putting the motor back in.
Thanks,
Chris
 
As long as it spins in the right direction and meshes with the flywheel, I should be able to use it, but I have to find out how to wire it. If someone else has used one, that would help. Otherwise, I'll have to break out the voltmeter and start testing wires to the original solenoid. RockAuto has not steered me wrong yet and they say this will work on '65-'80
 
You have the later starter! You might have to ad a couple of wires, but it's not difficult to do. Here's wiring diagrams for your car and others. The later starter was introduced in 1967. Click on MGB, then Scroll through until you find your car, indicated in the lower right hand corner. Make sure it's not the British version, as some are wired a little different. You can zoom in for a closer look at the drawings. Hope this helps. PJ


https://www.thebriton.com/wiring_diagrams.htm
 
A pic might help. Early and late starters had a different size pilot hole. IF the starter is really for a later MGB then the bolts will be used to align it rather than the pilot hole(hub) of the starter. Bob
 
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframec...1345867k1296842

Above is a link to the site and attached is a picture. There are only the two mounting on the flange and that's it. Thanks as well for the diagram. I have the diagram for this 66, but I will take a look at what you provided as well. At least this mg was converted to 12V and a new style alternator added. According to your diagrams PJ, this should be pretty straightforward.
 

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There is a good article on hi-torque starters in the 3/10 issue of Classic Motorsports magazine. To quote them :

"Since you have an external solenoid, we had to fit a jumper from the unit's big post to it's small post. We could have eliminated the solenoid completely, but our solution leaves more of the stock wiring intact while requiring less work."

Hope this helps. You can problably go online and read the article?
 
Thanks rggav. I read your post this morning. I forgot about that article already. Pulled the magazine out, reread the article, and then headed to the garage to install a new gear reduction starter that arrived yesterday. Worked through a few minor roadblocks, but now it is in and it works. Thanks.
 
There many differences in the early and late starter set up, the earlier 3 syncro cars have a 1" smaller OD flywheel, the earlier car as Bob mentions has a different located and size starter pilot hole, so they don't interchange. This is problem with delaing with local generic auto parts store, they don't squat about our cars, heck most of the employees never even heard of a MG. A gear reduction starter on a early 3 syncro car is one of the very best improvements you can do IMHO. Nothing like having a starter that will actually start your car :smile:
 
My original starter has never failed to start my '65. Only been rebuild twice in 300,000+ miles. Nothing wrong with GR starters unless the look and sound bother you, but nothing wrong with the original either, assuming everything is in proper working order.

I have a later starter on my '67 and it works great also, but I didn't do the original fitting so I can't help with the exact procedure or wiring.
 
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