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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Sluggish starter when hot

Hi, me again, just curious if anyone else is having this problem. When the car is cold, it will crank over strong and start right up. As soon as it comes up to temp around 195, trying to restart is a pain, it cranks really sluggishly. Any advice? I can't fit a heat shield b/c the header is close to the starter. I'm pretty sure thats the problem, just curious how to get around it. Should I just fork out the money for one of those mini gear reduction units? The block is '63 skylark and starter on there is the aluminum nosed version.
Jake

Yes, you can fit a heat shield in most installations. If you are using the standard block huggers or the normal RV8 style of headers, you are OK. If you have something custom, you are on your own.

I still have the heat shield I used for several years before I went with the mini-starter if you are interested in trying it. You pay shipping. If you find out it works, send me another $10.00. If it doesn't, pitch it.

In the long run, the mini-starter is the best solution. I like the version that D & D sells, as it is correctly shimmed. There are some others out there that advertise more power, but as one of my shop mates found out, they are not all spaced correctly, & do not always engage without additional shim fitting. I have both a Rover & a Buick version from D & D, & both work perfectly.
Jim Stuart

Jim,
Thanks I may take you up on the offer, Ill email you off the board. The reason that I couldnt get one to fit before is because there is a tab on the header that allows it to bolt to the downpipe. Should I just cut it off and run the shield?
Jake

The tab should not interfere. The shield is "L" shaped, with 1 leg against the block, the other parallel with, and in front of, the starter, between the starter & the down pipe.
Jim Stuart

Have a look, tell me if you think it will fit. If so, email me with your address and ill send the postage due.

http://www2.et.byu.edu/~jmv/Electrical/P8120091.JPG
Jake

Jake - the OE starter had an aperture where you could use WD40 - worked on mine for a while. On another occasion, a second earth strap made a big difference.
RMW

You could try wrapping some fibreglass cloth around the pipe just near the starter and holding it in place with some large hose clamps. Should be cheap and easy and if it doesn work, easy to get off (ie dont use resin just clamps).
peter

Check your electrical connections by measuring the volt-drop when cranking between the 12v battery post (not connector) and the solenoid stud and the ground battery post and the starter body. Ideally you will only see a couple of tenths of a volt shown on each, but if you have a volt or more total volt-drop shown it is worth investigating each connection and cleaning them up where necessary.
Paul Hunt

Sounds like your timing is early.
Dwight McClain

Jake-

Your E-mail address does not show on your posting. Reply to this with your E-mail & I will send you an address. Include your shipping address & I will get the shield off Monday
Jim Stuart

This thread was discussed between 04/05/2004 and 14/05/2004

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