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MG MGB Technical - Starter Removal

Speaking of changing out starters, what is the accepted method for removing a stock starter from a '67 MGBGT? I noticed when investigating a starter problem last week that although I could remove the starter from the engine, I could not remove it from the car due to lack of clearance.

Just eyeballing the situation, it looked like I could get enough clearance by removing the clutch hydraulic hose. Does this work, or are some other preparations more effective? Thanks. -G.
Glenn G

Removing the distributor opens enough space to get an inertial type of starter out. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

You don't want to disturb the clutch hose, unless there is a problem with it and you plan to replace it. On LHD cars it is a real pig. Do as David recommends and remove the distributor. This will allow you more than enough clearance to take the starter out. Be sure to match mark the distributor and the block to ensure correct timing when re-installing the distributor. RAY
rjm RAY

I have a 74 and was able to install it from the top without disturbing the distributor cap. I seem to recall some twisting around was required
GG Ginty

I tried with the dissi off and one or two other easy to remove bits out of the way. The manual says this works and it comes out upwards. It doesnt. I made the huge mistake of letting a recommended well known local MGB "expert" do it. He assured me he could do it with no more dismantking, then took the steering apart to do the job and left me to re-align the UJ. If (when) I was doing this again I would see if I could fiddle it out upwards and if a couple of hours didnt nail it I would move the steering column.
Stan Best

Sorry LHD car, yes with the dissi out should be fine. I also took the dipstick tube off but with the steering column the other side you may not need to fo this, although its pretty trivial, it just umscrews and wont be rusty
Stan Best

"On LHD cars it is a real pig"

Why LHD cars? RHD cars have the steering column that side as well, and it's still a real pig.
PaulH Solihull

Paul, very true. The starter motor is the main culprit when trying to remove the clutch hose. That and you need to get a huge crowsfoot wrench, on the top of the hose, and another huge wrench underneath the holding bracket, to prevent the hose from turning while you try to remove the locking nut. Hadn't thought about what a pain the steering column would be to work around. RAY
rjm RAY

This thread was discussed between 20/12/2010 and 21/12/2010

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