MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Battery question

Three weeks ago my V8 died on me. I had popped down to the village shop and when I tried to start the car again - nothing, zilch. A very nice man came in his yellow van and jump started the car. He said he thought it was a battery problem.

Anyway I got home and put the car away for its winter hibernation saying to myself that I would have to buy a couple of new batteries in the Spring. Since then I have tried starting the car a few times and each time the batteries have been lifeless; the interior light comes on, the radio plays, but the engine just emits a dull click.

And then, at the weekend, mucking about in the garage I thought I would have another go and she fired up first time like there had never been a problem.

So my question is - is it possible for batteries that have some residual charge to build themselves up on their own, or is my problem something other than the batteries? I thought it might be a starter motor problem, but then why would it have started with the AA jump start? It can't be the alternator because I have had a new one fitted (unless its duff too?)

Any ideas?

Richard Saunders

could it be engine earth strap? might need a clean up,
mog

Could be starter motor, solenoid, connections, ignition switch......
No, AFAIK batteries will not 'build themselves up' as you put it. From what you say the problem started just BEFORE the AA started you, not just after. I too have a V8, in Berkshire. If you would like additional input or help, just email me.
David Smith

Richard - identical experience in the Summer
ended with a clean connection at the point the battery/earth connected to the car.

Similar problem with Peugeot estate led to total
power failure; no engine, no brakes, no lights on a pitch black night on a bend in the A3 - speed flat out ! There had been no prior warning with the peugeot but the MG horn had been very feeble when the fans were running.

Happy Christmas

Roger
Roger

I had something similar recently and it turned out to be the wiring badly corroded right at the solenoid tags, it does get a lot of heat in that area. Is your heatshield in place and sound? If not it will make things worse.

The critical thing in these kind of faults is to look at the ignition warning light as you turn the key to start. If it dims right down either the battery is flat or there is a bad connection in the heavy current circuit, if not it is usually a bad connection or component in the ignition switch/relay/solenoid circuit.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Thank you gents. I'll have a poke around next week to test out your suggestions.

David - I tried to email you but was bounced back??!!
Richard Saunders

Richard,
yr mail rcvd OK 15.30 23dec - reply on the way.
David Smith

This thread was discussed between 23/12/1999 and 24/12/1999

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now