Mgb starting problem

[Hamer01]

Hi every body this is my first post on piston heads (break me in gently)
I started restoring a 1975 mgb gt in sept last year I've done all the welding and major body work, just interior and and a paint job to do.
The problem I have is it won't turn over just clicks and I took starter motor back to be tested, I've put a new battery 520 amp (12v) new starter motor and a new starter relay.
The engine is not seized and there is compression all I can think of doing next is replacing the live cable from the battery to the starter, but before I do this can I run a jump cable to test. I can't do a continuity test as my tester cables won't reach.
I do get power to other parts of the car ie lights and heater fan.
I tried starting without the key by taking the brown and white wire off the relay and touching bottom fuse and nothing happened.

Thanks in advance Tim

[996TT02]

Check that you have a good earth, (for the engine block) this is just as important as the live cable, same amount of current flows!

I had 2 MGBs but don't recall exactly however the engine block should be properly earthed, remove the cable/strap assuming you have one (!!!) and clean all contacting surfaces.

[littleredrooster]

996TT02 said:

Check that you have a good earth, (for the engine block) this is just as important as the live cable, same amount of current flows!

I had 2 MGBs but don't recall exactly however the engine block should be properly earthed, remove the cable/strap assuming you have one (!!!) and clean all contacting surfaces.

^ ^ This.

I once had a car which was trying to earth through the choke cable; I only noticed when the bonnet was up and it wouldn't start that the cable was smoking!

[Bumblefoot]

connect a jump lead between the engine block and negative battery terminal, if it then cranks you know the fault is on the earth side.

[kambites]

996TT02 said:

I had 2 MGBs but don't recall exactly however the engine block should be properly earthed, remove the cable/strap assuming you have one (!!!) and clean all contacting surfaces.

IIRC (which I might not) there's a big fat braided cable running from the right hand side of the engine block near the alternator to a point on the wheel arch.