Mg f won t start

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:01 pm

Hi all.
Had a quick search of starting issues and can't find result matching my issue.

Out in car over weekend 300 odd miles no issues. Came home Saturday night and parked up. went out today (monday) to nip over bristol. Opened car, got in, turned key. All lights light up then nothing....... Slight humming whirring noise for a second of two from rear of car but nadda.
Car not turning over or anything. Checked battery and fully charged, alarm immobiliser seem to work fine not starter as far just dead......
Any ideas anyone? Now stranded as my only working car...... Til today!

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:02 pm

Forgot to add its an x reg f. Never had any starting issue before this.

Post by **Steve White** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 5:20 pm

Had something very similar happen on my TF, so good chance its the same issue.
I had driven 10 miles and turned the engine off. When I tried to restart 10-15 mins later and the dash lights all came on, and I heard the fuel pump start, but it didn't even attempt to turn over.

AA came out diagnosed a stuck solenoid on the start motor, and we push started the car and got it the remaining 2 miles home.
Fortunately mine is a second car so I fitted a new starter motor the following weekend, but I have heard of people successfully freeing the solenoid by removing the engine cover and giving the starter hit/tap with something solid (hammer, mallet or even the end of a broom handle).
Its not a long term solution though

and you will likely find the issue reoccurs with increasing frequency and at the least convenient moments.

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:16 pm

Well it's worth a try. Once i can find the damn starter motor...lol will give it a go in the morning. Cheers.

Reckless Rat · Post by **Reckless Rat** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 8:27 pm

Put the car in 4th gear, let the handbrake off and rock it backwards & forwards. You'll struggle getting anywhere near the starter motor to whack it with a hammer and will likely damage something if you try.

talkingcars · Post by **talkingcars** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 8:47 pm

First port of call is the low tension lead to the starter, pull the lead off and put it back on.

It is a common problem, I've had it on several K series cars over the years.

If it then starts simple replace the terminal on the wire.

Charless · Post by **Charless** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 8:51 pm

It might also be corrosion build up on the starter solenoid spade connector. This can be reached by hand if you remove the wire grille from the boot; move the connector back and forth a bit to make electrical contact again. Grip the terminal not the wire or it will probably come off in your hand! It sounds like either Steve's suggestion or this - both are quick and easy.
My high mileage F had this problem when I stopped for fuel on a filthy cold wet night about ten years back, but never since - and that is many miles!

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:49 pm

Guessing starter air filter side. Will i need to remove air filter box to gain access as to business had wife grill off in boot and can not see starter or any words Going to it...... I'm used to an engine i can see...lol

Charless · Post by **Charless** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 10:41 pm

Use a torch, it is quite central.

RobboMC · Post by **RobboMC** » Tue Oct 23, 2018 2:18 am

The best way to get a look at the starter motor is to:
1) remove the air trunking between the air filter and the inlet manifold.( yes this required removing the engine bay hatch

)
2) unhook the charcoal canister, unclip the wiring connector only and move it aside without disconnecting any of the pipes.

By doing both these things you can get a look and your hands down in there. A good small torch is also helpful.

Check the low tension feed to the starter with an electrical meter, they can look fine and be broken inside the insulation.
Mine broken inside and it took many hours of searching to find the break.

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 6:25 pm

Found starter. Was staring me in the face.! Lol tapped solenoid wiggled wires and back on the road! So bit of emery work on the weekend i think.
Cheers folks.
All help spot on and much appreciated !

talkingcars · Post by **talkingcars** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 9:25 pm

Pleased it's running again.

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 5:56 pm

Me too it's my daily driver. Home from work tonight roof down rainbow on.....

Tr7s-too · Post by **Tr7s-too** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 5:57 pm

The band not George and zippy...

Post by **Rob Bell** » Tue Oct 30, 2018 4:46 pm

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