Experience Dealership line mechanic on MG, Triumph, Jaguar for 15 years, Instructor in commercial mechanics school 2 yr. Product information manager for piston and valve manufacture, Instructor & hotline answer man for import car parts importer 15 yrs.
Organizations Associate member SAE
EAA member
Publications Import Car magazine
Education/Credentials ASE Master Auto with L-1 certification up to 2000
Question QUESTION: We have a 1977 MGB which needs to be jumped to start. When the key is inserted and turned we do not get any clicking noise. As soon as the battery gets connected to the car we are jumping from we get the click and then it starts. The car runs well, but as soon as it is turned off it needs to be rejumped. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Anthony,
First you need to have your battery load tested to see if your battery is good. Then take a volt meter and do a voltage drop test on your cables, ground side and power side. If you are not familiar with a cable voltage drop test let me know and I will explain how to do it. You also need to check charge rate. Again if you are not familiar with the procedure let me know.
Howard
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QUESTION: the battery has been load tested and is okay. Now starting is sporadic. It starts up, we can drive it around, but then when we turn off engine it may restart immediately, or it may take 3 or 4 attempts at starting. It seems random on whether the restart will take 2,3, or more starting attempt. But, it will restart the next morning on 1st or 2nd attempt.
Answer Anthony, you didn't answer my questions. Did you check all power and ground cables with a voltage drop test? And did you check the charge rate? Load test of the battery was only one of the tests necessary to isolate the problem.
Now it brings up another question. Does the engine spin over fast when it will not restart? Or is it just barely turning over and then you add a jumper battery? To isolate a problem into a smaller and smaller area you must separate the problem into a section. Then divide that section into the next smaller section. This requires tests but is a sure way to find a problem.
Do you have a volt meter and a 12v test light? They are not expensive and can be used on any car.
let me know,
Howard
