1961 Other MG Models 1953 MG TD won't turn over

1961 MG
64,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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SCHWABSIX
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Car recently aquired from family, ran great for 2 weeks, let sit for 5 days and now won't turn over. Thought battery was dead , but same result when trying to jump. Thought it might be fuel pump or starter but don't know how to figure it out. Handy but not a mechanic. Don't know where elsle to turn, hoping for some help.
Jul 1, 2010 at 8:17 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Pick your symptom:

Did you have a check engine light come on or has flashed prior to this problem and when was your last tune-up?

Cranks but no start condition:

Fuel and Spark:
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.

Compression:
If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain.


No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be a blown fusible link the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch/transmission position switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
Jul 2, 2010 at 12:32 AM
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HMAC300
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check for a start relay on side of fender well, not sure they wer around then but later model s have them.you odn't have the nuetral switch so it's striaght from teh ignition to maybe a relay it will be round normally and if there are two one is ignition relay.
Nov 26, 2012 at 6:53 PM
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