AN ENCORE WITH THE TRAVELING MECHANICS!

During this spring and into the summer, my MGB was acting up - or wasn't acting act all (i.e., would start only after numerous tries). I figured it was the starter motor or the starter solenoid - but thought the best course of action, though, was to call in the cavalry, the heavy guns, The Traveling Mechanics (southern division) for a replacement of the likely faulty part.

This duo served me well late last year on a house call for the same MG, and at the same time provided unexpected, unscripted, and entertaining comic relief (see the Feb. 2020 Driveline). I thought why not avail myself of their services again - and to enjoy their antics as well?

After some helpful initial advice from chief mechanic Dean Hickenlooper, I bought a smaller, lighter, and more efficient gear-reduction style starter motor online before venturing to MG Central (his garage). Fortunately, on the day in question, I was able to start my MG (by "bump-starting" it in second gear) and arrived where he and his partner-in-crime, Bill Kalafut, were waiting in the driveway among other British vehicles hidden under covers.

In my haste to arrive in a timely fashion as requested, I realized I neglected to bring the requisite donuts. I was hoping they (especially Dean, who seems to have a strong fondness for them) wouldn't notice - but no such luck. He muttered something under his breath and gave me the evil eye, but realizing it was likely to be a quick and straight-forward task, probably thought he'd be able to manage 20 or 30 minutes without having one. He then went to his garage, and returned grim faced, adorned in his work "uniform" that showed he meant business.

Bill and I were amazed to see him re-appear in what seemed to be a jump suit left over from the disco era that might have been intended for the Michelin man. (To his credit though, an MG octagon was stitched - or maybe duct-taped - to the front...I couldn't really tell.) To complete the look, he seemed to be wearing industrial strength flip-flops featuring simulated Neanderthal-like toes. I didn't say anything. Bill just smirked (but maybe he was jealous).

Enough about the sartorial splendor...back to the MG and the job at hand. Before the starter motor could be removed completely however, the oil filter needed to be removed, since 1969 was one of the model years where it hung downward. Only a little oil (a pint or so?) was collected in the catch pan upon its removal. Then, the stock starter motor was taken out all the way. The new smaller and lighter (as mentioned) replacement starter motor was installed, and the oil filter was spun back into its housing.

While this was going on, Bill alertly noticed some questionable wiring up near the fuse box, and in between verbal volleys with Dean did a nice job of re-wrapping and tidying that up, thus sparing me a potential problem down the road. All that was left was adding a little new oil and checking the pressure for same - and the job was done.

Once again, these two guys came through for a Club member in need. Many thanks to Dean and Bill for their willingness to help, and to provide some relaxing good-natured banter at the same time. We're lucky to be in a Club where they, and other like-minded mechanical helpers, are members. 

So, if you're in need of advice or help in getting or keeping your MG running, reach out to them.  And don't forget the donuts.

~~ Doug Clark

Safety Fast!