Mgb starting problems, need help

[apeters1984]

Hi, I took my mgb gt 76 out tonight and after taking it for a long spin I parked it up and came to start it again and it wouldn't start. The electrics are working and the ignition light is on and fuel pump is working, but when I turn the key there's nothing no sound from the starter nothing at all, I put a tester on the coil which was hot and it read 7.32 volts, is the coil the problem, I am going to try it in the morning to see if it starts. I need to sort this out cause i don't want to get caught out away from home, the engine bay was hot too, I hope this is a easy fix. The car a has a sports coil, aldon auto electric ignition,aldon dizzy, new plugs, new alternator,

[jagracer]

If there's no sound from the starter it won't be a faulty coil, it could be a faulty starter, faulty battery, faulty starter solenoid or a bad connection, possibly poor earth. If you have a ballast resistor on the coil the voltage seems about right.

[na]

much as I dislike Haynes if you have one look at the Fault Diagnosis at the end of the Ignition System chapter

also check the delicate wires off and in Aldon are not nicked

as jagracer put plus all battery(s) connections lugs, clamps are all clean secure and protected

same for stater solonoid and stater motor but have battery(s) disconnected before touching with metal

same for ignition switch

for starting and electrical problem solving a fully charged battery(s) will be a great help but low charged battery(s) could be a hinderance

my usual advice;
workshop manuals for repairs but better to have Driver's Handbook for prevention - (Ref: 0053) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

buy the excellent investment Driver's Driver's Handbook thoroughly read it and carry out as much as required of the 36k-mile service

driver the car regularly to keep it in good condition and you fully aware of its full capabilities

loads more help and advice on the MGB forums here (and I'm not on them) - http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...

have this for good luck http://www.cibolas7.net/resources/cutaway.htm#

[na]

I know it sounds daft but I've just remembered I meant to ask if your has a relay to starter

poor or furred connects there or fault can stop things

[danger mouse]

On a similar note make sure all the connections to the back of the starter switch barrel are secure. You'll spend a long time swearing in the engine bay if the starter wire spade connector has come loose and dropped off believe me!

[apeters1984]

I think I've sorted it, I cleaned up the starter spades and terminals, nothing, added a extra earth strap from the engine to chassis, nothing, changed the coil, nothing, changed the relay, nothing, then suddenly it appeared to me, my be I can start it off the wires on the ignition barrel, it worked, turns out I need a new key barrel, it Wont connect the switch into start, duhhhhh, should of tired that first

[AtticusFinch]

apeters1984 said:

should of tired that first

No, it's always the last thing you do.

[na]

well done on finding it (and reporting back)

yeah I had ignition switch - along with the other dozen things

make sure you order the correct one as I think they vary(?)

don't matter which end you start your checks it'll be the other