Rather New...

[MikeHA4]

Hello, MMOC and similar people!

'Rather New..' could relate to several things. So first, I'm new on here and not a member of MMOC. I am becoming more interested in Morris Minor Travellers, particularly. I'm not so young but hopefully not old either(!) and am interested in economical leisure/pleasure motoring. I don't change my car very often and currently have a 10yo Peugeot 306 diesel estate and cover about 4-5000 miles a year. This has quite some life left in it but its going to involve something someday and I really hate that a later vehicle will introduce computerised management systems. The Peugeot has only an immobiliser which is quite enough!

When I was a big child, towards the end of schooling, we had a '1000 van for a while and I liked going about in it as a passenger. I always wanted us to have a Traveller but we never did and no other Morrises. So, second thing thats new, is that I have been reading up lately about Morris cars, and the latest step is to write this! Has anyone interest enough in this 'opener' of mine, to offer any thoughts or suggestions?

Mike

[mike.perry]

Step 1 Enter your location in your profile then anyone local can offer assistance.
If you are looking for a Traveller remember that the woodwork is structural, not stuck on like it was on the Mini Traveller so unless you are handy with woodwork check the wood carefully for rot.
They also rust in the same places as the saloons so check the floor pan, chassis crossmember and around the wheel arches and bottoms of the A and B posts.
Carry out the usual mechanical checks but don't worry so much about these bits, especially if you are handy with a spanner as spares are fairly cheap and you may wish too carry out your own modifications.
There are plenty of Travellers for sale so look around and don't get sentimental, a poor one will have instant access to your bank account.
Your metric tools for your Peugeot will not be much use so equip yourself with a proper Morris Minor Workshop Manual and a set of Whitworth and A/F spanners and sockets.

[Kevin]

Hi Mike I think you will find the Herts Branch is nearest to you and looking at your ID I cam guess where you are as I work in HA5, if you want to pop along to one of our branch meetings in London Colney just follow the link in my signature.

[ASL642]

........ and more importantly ... welcome to this site and the magic world of Morris Minors!

If you have any more questions fire away - that's what we're here for 24 hours a day. There's always someone around to answer you.

[rayofleamington]

If your Pug is really only 10 years old (that's new in my book!) then I'm amazed it's not all computerized.

I just had the misfortune to rebuild a friend's 15 year old Escort Estate which had electronic fuel injection and dodgy emissions. The clever electronics box (ECU) was not a problem at all, but the naff front brake caliper pins, rotten sills, failed rear brake adjusters, and collapsed (sideways) dead Cat was a prize pain in the rear.
As I changed the Cat, it got a new Lambda sensor + plugs and leads just for good measure. The emissions fix was what scared me (uncharted territory) but was a doddle. The brakes I thought would be a doddle but turned into a prize pig of a job with endless blood sweat and tears.

The only advantage of fixing orrible things like rotten 90's Fords is... that it makes me ever so desperate to get back to fixing my Minors!!! At least when you rebuild the brakes and sills on a crusty Minor - you get a sense of satisfaction and time well invested know it'll serve a good 5 years or more before it needs another heavy session. When you do that on a 90's Eurobox, it probably means it's got 12 months left.

[MikeHA4]

Thank you Kevin, RegaliaQueen, RayofLeamington! Some nice comments and thought-provoking tales there. Yes, I had a new Cat put on the Pug some time ago. It had a severe rattle. I haven't the HDI, it is pre- common rail and main parts are 'all mechanical' with the usual 'modern' rotary pump for a high-speed engine (I like straight/individual pumps, industrial type reliable diesels!) and also a turbocharger. My slight annoyance with modern-day car electronics was down to a dodgy battery six years ago. There was enough cranking speed - just - but it would not fire. I gave it a rest, then tried again. Bingo! But was I stupid. I was so impressed, I stopped it and attempted a re-start. I've no idea why... Anyway, it wouldn't do the same trick twice. If you go through 'electrics on/pre-heat' on the key to 'starter' too quickly, it won't fire anyway. This time, it didn't make any difference that I gave it a few moments in-between positions, I now hadn't got enough cranking speed. Send for the AA - had to join - who gave a jump start, I was out at a garden centre at the time. I learned from him, that yes, the battery wasn't healthy because it sank to 9.5v on the starter. He then said, the Immobiliser won't accept a low battery voltage (10.5v. suggested) and therefore wouldn't operate the solenoid fuel valve, even if you get enough cranking speed. He suggested it thinks the car is being tampered with and is being stolen!

I might well come to a Herts. meeting when I'm free one time; I'll look to see when they are. Thank you all for being friendly. I have been browsing round the notice boards, its very interesting. Good topics well handled mostly it seems..

[MikeHA4]

Thanks also, Mike Perry, your points noted. I have got the old spanners - haven't many Metric ones! No need to do too much to the Pug. Which is 12 years old, now I come to think about it. '98...