Dave,
I suspect the clicking noise is the solenoid indicating it isn't getting enough
current to operate.
I would FIRST disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals and
wire-brush/clean both terminals and the connectors. Make sure you get any and
all corrosion from them. Check any places where the cable joins a connector
also for any corrosion. I've had it happen on a number of cars when I thought
I had starter, alternator, battery, or a multitude of other problems, when in
reality it was just a bad connection at the battery terminals.
Get some of those little red/green felt washers that inhibit corrosion ($0.99
at Al's or Schuck's Auto Parts) and put them over the battery terminals when
you replace the connectors on the battery. They work well to keep the
corrosion at a minimum.
If you have had a bad connection at the battery terminal, you may need to use
a charger to get the battery fully charged or take to a service station for
charging, because the poor connection doesn't allow the alternator to charge
the battery.
Gordon Buck
Sultan, Washington
71 TR6 CC62806
67 MGB GT
-----Original Message-----
From: David J. Stephenson [SMTP:daves96@concentric.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 1998 7:31 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Funny Noise at Ignition
Something happened today which makes me nervous and upon which perhaps
someone can shed some light. I started my 74 TR-6 this morning and I
heard a sort of clicking noise as I turned the key. The engine started
after a second and the noise disappeared. After driving a while I
stopped the car and turned-off the engine. Returning a few minutes later
I turned the key and nothing happened. No ignition light. No noises.
Nothing. I popped the hood, pushed the battery back slighly, prayed
softly, and when I turned the key, the engine turned over right away. My
questions is, is it the battery?, ignition switch?, starter?, solonoid?,
a combo?, or the dark force of Lucas? BTW, when the car idles at about
800 rpm the ignition light flickers abit now and then. I've had the car
15 years and this has never happened before. Any insight would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave Stephenson
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