Why not? All you are doing is applying power in the same manner that the solenoid does. (connecting one post to the other)

On a 60's car sure, but it's a bit harder on the rover starters and given the guy has caused the whole problem by removing the dipstick I wouldn't want to see anything go up in flames as a result of 'short it with a spanner'.

Why not remove the starter from the car and connect to a battery? If it's stuffed it's already out, if it's fine there's no risk of damage to the cars electrical system.

we tried that as well.............. pulled the battery out, connected earth to the engine and to - on the battery and then connected + of the battery and then tapped the end of the solenoid. Got nothing...........

tried it on the moke and she went che chu.... like she sneezed. Kinda cute. But it tested our theory.... if the solenoid on the Rover was OK, there would have been something.

She is being flat bedded out to Greig when i can afford it....

For now I will install the new carpet, seats, roll cage, parcel shelf, speakers, door cards and fix the rust in the door.........

Call me crazy but the symptoms you describe sound like the joiner block on the ignition are stuffed, where the loom from the ignition switch(key) joins at the bottom of the column can and does loose good connection, first signs are that the blinkers and radios and things that are ignition controlled stop working, also stops the car from running.

It does not effect the things like headlamps and horn and hazards as they are not powered by this switch, they are powered at all times direct

pul the block apart and give it a sqirt of wd40 and make sure that it has good connection, it also controls the starter

Hope that helps

_________________
Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

Pull the starter out of the moke then!

Do you hear the fuel pump kick in when you turn the car onto accessories ?

Fuel pump should not kick in until the key is ON not accessories.
Cheers Pete

_________________
A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE

yeah I dont get anything from the fuel pump. And yes.... it did only ever power up once you clicked the key over to the on position...

The fuel pump still works now though? There's a reset button and a fuse for it somewhere, but even if the pump has an issue the car should still crank, just wouldn't start.

no no... i dont get anything from the fuel pump either....

Have a read through the following forum, it is specific to the SPI and MPI.
Lots and lots of info, but very helpful.
SPI and MPI specific
Cheers Pete

_________________
A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE

Thanks Pete... heaps of info there, but every time someone posts a "My car wont start" problem there are no answers... hahahahaha

ploughing through it all now though. I will hopefully get there with something.