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MG MG Y Type - Starting handle - use of !

Can some one explain the correct way to start the Y type using the starting handle - in all the years I have owned it I have never tried it out for two reasons...first is will it kick back and cause a broken wrist and two will it disengage one it starts. I seem to recall that you are supposed to tuck ones thumb in some way but it would be helpful to hear the correct way of doing it. When I first bought the YB in 1980 there were still people around who knew how to do it but as I was in my 20s and never considered using it I cant recall what the correct procedure is now.
D MULLEN

I'm keen to have someone remind me of the technique too - one solution to a recalcatrant starter motor on a ship !!!!!!!.

As I understand it you should pull upwards with your thumb held away from the handle - fingers pointed towards the crank line - so standing in front - use your left hand & pull upwards ??? Is this correct ???

Engage handle in crankshaft, pull slowly till you feel the compression stroke coming and the handle is rising on the left - turn ignition on - then one swift lift & let go of the handle !.

I will ring a friend in Brisbane in the morning to check on the correct technique - he has done it many times before.

Ah the joys of motoring !.
A L SLATTERY

My experience in the use of the starting handle, goes back to my Ford Model T days. I had some very explicite instructions from my Dad, on how it was to be used.

You engage the handle at around 6;00 o'clock with your right hand. All fingers including the thumb, should be on the outside of the handle. Pull up slowly until you feel the compression. At this point pull the handle up as fast as you can. The handle will disengage automatically if the engine starts.

I have used the same proceedure on the MG and though the compression is stronger, it still works.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

Right on George. Yes guys, remember thumb over the handle same side as your fingers ... not underneath!

Paul
Paul Barrow

The only thing not mentioned above is of course that the ignition must be switched on first too and the fuel pump and carburettors primed ... otherwise you will be a long time getting started!

Paul
Paul Barrow

David, Tony & George's technique is accurate, handle rising on the left, feel the compression stroke then pull smartly upwards. I have used the handle on several occasions on Y 5103 with no problems. Don't forget Paul's advice about not putting your thumb over the handle, in the event of a backfire you could dislocate your thumb! Hope to see you in the summer. Mel
M.H. Fry

Excellent advice from all; it brings back fond memories, especially the bit about the thumb position.

I empathize with George and his Model T. My first car was a 1949 Ford Prefect, exactly one month older than me. The electrics were 6V and if you pulled the starter on a cold morning, there was no hope of anything more than a dull clunk as the teeth tried to engage on the flywheel. The only way to start it was with the handle - a much longer one than for the Y Type. It always fired on the first compression, as long as I remembered to prime the mechanical petrol pump. The handle lived under the driver's seat throughout the winter months.

When I replaced the Prefect with a YB, I still used the handle on cold mornings to spare the starter and save the battery power. The electric fuel pump was a luxury, and I did not need to lift the bonnet to ensure that there was fuel in the carburettor - just wait for the clicks to cease.

I have had cause to use the handle to start my current YB. When I bought it, the battery kept going flat in the car, but held its charge perfectly if I disconnected the earth lead. On occasions after leaving the car for even a few minutes, pulling the starter produced the ominous clunk and little else. On every occasion, the car started on the handle and kept running.

I eventually found the cause. The previous owner had replaced the starter switch with a shiny 'new' one, probably made in China or somewhere similar. The switch did not always disengage properly, allowing current to flow through the starter - not enough to turn it, but enough to drain the battery.

I had the original one in a box, so I swapped them over and I have not had any problems with a flat battery since. So much for new parts!

I also find the starting handle useful for adjusting the tappets and setting the contact breakers and ignition timing. I have found that I can turn the engine slowly by resting my foot on the handle from about 1 o'clock and pressing lightly to push it downwards. You cannot do that with a modern car.

Mike
M Long

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2012 and 03/04/2012

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