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TR2/3/3A my new 59 tr3a

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AnkwizTR3a

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hello everyone - new to the forum. Just picked up a 59 tr3a. This car has not ran in some time. I have recently sent carbs out to SU carbs.com for restoration. I am having the generator rebuilt and have done other various improvements - My main concern at this time is that the motor is turning over very slowly - not sure where to go next - any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
 
Ank - welcome to BCF. A veritable treasure trove of information - and most of it is useful!

You mention the motor is turning over very slowly. Might turn faster if the carbs and starter were back in (joke ...).

So is it turning slowly when the starter is cranking it? (low battery?)

Or do you mean it's idling too slowly? (carb adjustment)

Welcome to the family.
Tom
 
Welcome to the party!

Assuming your battery is in good shape, my first guess would be that the starter is dragging, or there may be a wiring issue (poor grounds are common). It may be due for a rebuild as well. Or you may want to buy one of the new gear reduction starters available.

Oh, and post pictures - we love 'em!

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Welcome!

Make sure the battery ground wire had a good earth/ground connection and the cable itself is not internally corroded. Also make sure the batter terminals are clean and cables are snug. If that doesn't do it let us know.

Again, welcome to the forum!
 
I agree -- start with the wiring. You can disconnect the stock wiring and run a heavy wire to the ground terminal on the battery (positive, unless it's been changed) and a heavy wire from the hot terminal on the battery to the hot post on the starter. Jumper cables work well for this. Disconnect the coil wire to make sure the engine doesn't start, and see how then engine turns over. If it still turns slow, then pull the starter and either have it rebuilt or replace it. As the previous poster pointed out, a high-torque starter is a nice upgrade if strict originality isn't a concern.
 
Thank You All for replying so timely, I have replaced battery wires and the battery is brand new. I will however work on the wiring to the starter. I have considered upgrading to the gear reduction starter. Where does everyone purchase there parts from - I have recently received catalogs from Moss Motors and Roadster Factory. Has anyone used SUcarbs.com for restoring carbs. Any Feedback would be great.
I will post some pictures shortly......Thanks Again to you all....
 
The more detail you give us, the better we can help out. "The motor is turning over very slowly," is on the vague end of the spectrum.

Welcome to the board. It's been a HUGE help to me. I hope to pass it on...
 
I've heard very good things on this forum about this gentleman: https://www.britishstarters.com I plan to buy one of his starters within the next few weeks as I tackle my winter project.

I've also heard good things about sucarbs.com I pulled my carbs off the other day and they're going to be heading to him shortly.
 
Another way to spot poor starter connections is to feel all along the cables immediately after cranking the engine (or even while cranking, using the button on the solenoid). If you find a hot spot, there IS a bad connection there even if the wires are brand new and it looks perfect.

The stock setup has the battery grounded to the body (which is a common problem spot as paint does not conduct); and then another ground cable between the engine and the frame at the left front motor mount. This second ground cable frequently gets overlooked.
 
Chester at sucarbs did mine and they look great and work even better. I also have a gear reduction start, it is a big improvement over the old stock one.
Greg
 
Starters also croank slow if the rear bearing in the starter motor is shot (or, in my case -- missing).

I like the 'feel for the hot cable' method.
 
Question, what if the exhaust was plugged? Would that effect the slow turning engine? Would the back pressure be an issue? Being that an engine is nothing more then an air pump and the air gets pushed out the exhaust.

The car sat for a long time maybe something filled the muffler and exhaust pipe with stuff.
 
Aloha and welcome to the forum. I've bought a starter from Dr. Marty and was pleased with the price, shiping cost and the product.
 
Thank You all for your feedback, I have had some progress this week with my car, carbs are in process of rebuilding at SUCarbs.com, picking up a new starter/generator today. I will check on that second ground cable as mentioned by Randall (thanks)- I have not seen a 2nd cable at this point but will investigate. I will also check for any blockage in the muffler (I ain't fallen for no banana in my tailpipe)- I saw Beverly Hills Cop. Thanks again for all your help/advice..I'm really excited to be involved with this group...Thank You
 
Here's a photo from Don Elliott, showing the ground cable at the front motor mount. It was taken with some parts removed (front apron, cross brace) for clarity, but you should be able to look down there and see it.
 
Thanks for the pic identifying the ground cable. I will definitely check that out. Thanks. I have removed the starter for replacement - everything seems more freed up at this point - fan is actually moving more freely now. The flywheel seems very dry - lubricate? How? Thanks
 
Not sure why it would feel more free. When the starter is not engaged, it's, well, not engaged; no drag on the engine. Unless the drive gear was locked in place...

And the flywheel should be dry and clean - grease would foul the clutch.
 
You say your battery is brand new. Sometimes a battery can be filled with battery acid and then sit on the shelf at the dealers for months before you buy it. If this is the case with your new battery, may I suggest you connect your charger to it for a day or two.
 
Battery is brand New Interstate - I have also tried using a battery/starter box as well - still no change. I do have some leads to work on this weekend - thanks to everyone who has suggested topics to look for and do.
 
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