77 MGB Starter Problems

We encountered a strange problem with my 77 MGB while my son was driving it. While driving the key fell out of the ignition switch (the key now looks twisted a little) and the car made a grinding noise. He picked up the key, turned the car off, and stopped. After that the starter would not work. He push started the car and it ran fine (no grinding).

Now, when you turn the key to start you hear a single click at the starter, but nothing happens. I pulled the starter off and had it checked at AutoZone, who said it was bad. Also, the teeth on the starter gear are torn up pretty bad.

The car is in good mechanical condition, but the wiring leaves a lot to be desired (a lot of electrical tape from the previous owner).

Has anyone had an experience like this? Any suggestions?

The key should not come out while the car is on. If the key is coming out while the car is on, the steering lock is worn out. A worn out ignition switch may cause the starter to engage while the car is running. If the starter engages while the motor is running, the ring gear on the flywheel and the pinion gear on the starter will be damaged, resulting in starter failure. I believe the ignition switch and lock failure caused the starter failure.

Wiring diagrams are available at http://www.advanceautowire.com click on stock schematics. Spend a weekend going through the wiring, cleaning each connector and replacing any connectors or wiring that needs to be replaced.
http://www.britishwiring.com sells connectors, wire, etc. to make repairs to your existing wiring harness.

Installing an ignition relay will take some of the load off the ignition switch extending it's life. New switches are now about $150-. Look at the wiring diagram for a '78 model to find what wiring changes you need to make.
Relays are available at autoparts stores for less than $10-. Here's the pin conversion chart if you decide to install a relay

W1 - pin 85
W2 - pin 86
C1 - pin 30
C2 - pin 87

Look at the instruction manual for the headlight relay kit at http://www.advanceautowire.com for tips on replacing connectors.

I suggest that you go to mossmotors.com for any needed parts for your MG autos....I use them all of the time. They also have a tech person who can advise you of what you need.

Lyle-

Although Moss Motors is a good supplier, they are not always the best supplier. Why would someone want to pay $37.40 plus shipping for a relay that can be purchased locally for less than five dollars. http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=OPR&MfrPartNumber=A715&CategoryCode=3443
A starter from Moss would cost more than $200 plus shipping.
Locally it's less than $100 and comes with a lifetime warranty.
An alternator from Moss has an output of less than 45 amps and costs more than $100- plus shipping. Locally you can get one that puts out 55 to 96 amps for less than $90 with a lifetime warranty.

The part I need will determine where I'm going to get it from. I would go to Apple Hydraulics for a master cylinder. Maybe World Wide for dampers. Prestige for a top or interior. Local muffler shop for an exhaust system.
If you need help in finding the best supplier for the part you need, ask at http://www.mgexperience.net
The best place to purchase parts is not always the cheapest or the most expensive. I look for quality, price, and warranty.
Also keep in mind it is not always best to order from Moss directly. I go through a Moss distributor, this way I get better prices and service. When I needed a window crank handle for my car, I didn't have to buy extra items to have a minimum order value and I paid less than two dollars for shipping. My order total with shipping was less than ten dollars. If I were to order the same item from Moss directly, I would pay double that.

-Kimberly