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RE: Gear reduction starter on TR3

To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: Gear reduction starter on TR3
From: "Randall Young" <Ryoung@navcomtech.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 00:54:30 -0800
> I'm finally getting around to firing up the engine on
> my 59 TR3 and am trying to get the new starter to spin
> the flywheel. First off, I need some electric
> clarification (the starter came with no instructions).
> This is the way I did it (- ground car): Ground the
> case, apply voltage to large (1/2" socket) nut on case
> and the voltage signal is sent to spade terminal. I
> get the starter to engage and spin off the engine this
> way. Anything else?

Sounds right to me.  Note that the solenoid in the gear drive starters draws
too much current for the TR3 starter pushbutton on the dash, you need to
have a relay in this circuit.  The original solenoid can be used for this
purpose.

> There's another small screw
> terminal and I have no idea what goes to it. Now that
> I've said all that, I'm sure everyone else's starter
> has different hook-ups.

Mine doesn't have the small screw terminal, but I would guess that it's the
connection to short out the ballast resistor while starting (for cars that
have external ballast resistors, which of course the TR3 did not originally
have).

> Anyway, I mount starter the only way it seems it can
> go (this is the way it came from TRF... I know you can
> rotate starter by removing the allen head screws and
> rotating body... should I do this?) and tighten it
> firmly to engine housing. Hook up electic, using
> remote starter switch, and press the botton. I get
> maybe half a rotation, then nothing. Attempt to turn
> engine by hand (which I can normally do quite easily,
> since plugs are out) and it appears the starter is
> bound up. Subsequent pressing of the switch produces a
> click and heavy load, but no action.
>
> So I could be messed up anywhere. Electric, starter
> set-up, mounting, etc. Help!

This sounds like a mechanical issue to me ... are you certain you've got the
starter that matches your flywheel ?  The cross-over was in April 59
(TS50001) but of course there have been a lot of componenets swapped over
the years.  Not sure, but I think the early flywheel takes a 9 tooth pinion,
while the later one takes a 10 tooth.

Randall

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