MGB MGB won't crank - only buzzing sound

[bdoubled]

My 1979 MGB sat for two weeks. Turned on the ignition and got only buzzing sound. Battery fully charged, main fuse block tests ok. Starter motor / starter solenoid problem?

 

[Dave Russell]

Welcome to the forum from an intruder. Someone will be along soon to reclaim the territory.

If the head lights go out when you try to start, there is a bad battery cable or battery connection or the battery itself. Either the hot side or the ground side. If the lights remain bright , there is a problem with the solenoid or starter.
D

[ 02-27-2004: Message edited by: Dave Russell ]</p>

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dave Russell:
Welcome to the forum from an intruder. Someone will be along soon to reclaim the territory.

If the head lights go out when you try to start, there is a bad battery cable or battery connection or the battery itself. Either the hot side or the ground side. If the lights remain bright , there is a problem with the solenoid or starter.
D

[ 02-27-2004: Message edited by: Dave Russell ]

<hr></blockquote>

Sounds like a good diagnosis to me. Why do you think you are an intruder?
Bob

 

[Steve]

Absolutely......crossover on the forums is not only acceptable but should be encouraged....I trespass on the other boards from time to time myself. Welcome to the forum to our new friend. Sounds like a good trouble-shooting guide there, should get you up and running.

 

[bdoubled]

Headlights stay bright, so I guess it's a starter/solenoid problem. Someone suggested tapping the starter or solenoid with a hammer to "unstick it".

 

[Guest]

if that works it will only be temporary, but it might get you home. It has worked for me before

 

[Dave Russell]

bd,
I personally would not hesitate to jumper the two large solenoid terminals with a hefty screwdriver.

If the starter is good & the solenoid is bad, it will crank over.

Be aware that you will get some big sparks at the screwdriver, if the starter is working, about 200 amps. If you are in anyway uncomfortable with doing this, find another procedure. Like taking the starter to your local car parts store & ask them to test it.
D