Dynamo question.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Anything from poor earths, worn HT leads, pitted points etc. Ignition timing advanced too far causing the engine to kick back against the starter?

With a fully charged battery and a good starter + connections it should at least spin over easily.

If that fails get the starting handle out as other members have suggested.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Oh, and the battery must have distilled water, NOT tapwater. Clean rainwater is fine.

[Windy Pig]

False alarm, took her round the block, parked up, turned off, tried to get her going again and nothing. Well, a splitter, then a white when I pulled the starter, then nothing but the dash lights dipping. Started easily on the handle though, this time, maybe I've cracked the knack.
I'll go for the easy options first, as without heating in the garage I use, not a fun place to spend a lot of time this time of year. Charge battery, see if it holds charge, if not, replace that. However, the lights all work, and the wipers do, and heater, so I'm starting to worry it might be something else.
Working tonight, so won't get to it, but if anyone has any other advice for things to check let me know. I'm flying out of the country on Monday, so at least it will be harder to steal while I'm away.

[bmcecosse]

Did you check the belt tightness?? 13 volt is barely enough - should really be 14 - but these gauges are hardly accurate calibrated instruments!!

[Windy Pig]

I'll have a look at that tomorrow. But as you say, not accurate equpiment, and will tote up nearer 15 end of the dial of I sit and rev it for a while.

[MarkyB]

the lights all work, and the wipers do, and heater,

The drain on the battery from these is trivial compared to the load from the starter motor.
Looking at the thickness of the wire going to the starter motor will give you an idea do the difference.

[Trickydicky]

Hi,

I also would suggest charging the battery first and check for it not holding charge, if you dont know the age of the battery then for the cost and the ease of changing it, replace that first before going down the alternator route.

The best way of understanding how a dynamo works is to remember when you had a dynamo on your push bike? when you stopped pedaling the lights went out.... the principal is the same in your minor.

[Windy Pig]

I thought I'd been fairly on it keeping the revs up a little to keep the dynamo going if sat in traffic, but possibly not enough, and if that reversing light I have isn't wired up properly, it was on for about 8 hours.

I'll see how it goes with the battery, my order of business at the moment is check it has water, charge up and see if it holds, replace it if not. At some point during that check the fan belt is tight. Then if I seem to have trouble again, like I said lots of night time city driving, go alternator. And if its as easy as you guys say, I might just do it. I'm not too fussed about kerping it original, enough was done before I got my hands on it to make it a fair lot of work to go back.

What are the rules on reversing lights? Is it a requirement? I know its a no no to leave it on while driving.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

What are the rules on reversing lights? Is it a requirement? I know its a no no to leave it on while driving.

Must have a warning lamp if it isn't automatically operated.

21w bulb for the reverse lamp.

Not a legal requirement to have one fitted on a car of this age.

[Windy Pig]

So if is fitted I need to use it?
Might just take it off.

[tomas.geoghegan]

Alternator is simple to do - scrap yard raid to get one from a Mini or Metro etc. F 1 Dad will be able to fit it inside 5 seconds...... But at the moment - that's not the problem. The dynamo IS charging.

Iv tried scrap yards thave been had! And fitting is easy but electrics can be difficult if thats not your strong point without diagram. And as i said earlier Charge the battery up and get it drop checked first .
Tomas

[bmcecosse]

The diagram is at the head of this section....... It's very easy to do. But first -find the alternator !!

[lambrettalad]

also remember to not to over tighten the fan belt so as not to *nacker the water pump

[des1957]

i had the same problem with my dynamo, when i used the car at night and in cold weather,
i was constantly charge my battery.
i found when the engine was running, i disconnected the positive terminal the car would stop.
this made me realize that a dynamo dose not give you much power.
i fitted a new alternator, and since then i never had to charge my battery any more. even if i don't use the car for a month.
it starts first time.

[chesney]

A dynamo will never supply any charge at idle, I hope you haven't repeated the test with an alternator
I will agree, alternator makes a real difference to a daily driver mog, imho third best mod (after poly bushes and seat belts!).

[des1957]

no i have not repeated the test with the alternator. i also fitted a electronic ignition she is a dream to drive now.
starts first time even if i do not use her for 3 weeks. and i tuned her, she is quiet when idle now. i am a bit confident now as i am prepared if anything goes wrong
i managed to get an old workshop manual on the series 11 and i am getting to know a lot about my car, going to do a service
on her. though i do not know how to do all the greasing, and checking the brakes. cant wait till the spring to drive her. i never take her out in the winter or rain.

[bigjim]

whereabouts are you, im on notts derbys border and dont mind helping fit alternator conversions and or checking battery and charging system, i have load tester and calibrated voltmeter ,ammeter instruments , im electrician / plumber by trade but know my way round auto electrics too ,i had to with my first cars

[des1957]

i am in sw16 london. the trouble is everything to do with minors are all out of London. even minor clubs, rally's, work shops.
ect. there is nothing in central London for us few minor enthusiasts to show off our pride and joy.
and i would not chance driving to any events as they are too far from central London. i usually go there by train which is not fun.but thanks for the offer.

[whyperion]

SW London Minors meet normally 1st Wednesday at the Telegraph on Putney Heath, not too far from the corners of SW16 ( Dec I think is Xmas dining at a pub in Mortlake. ) We used to have the London Bridges run, dont know if that still occurs, and a London to Brighton Run, that I guess could be enjoyed just on a part section if one considers the return from Brighton a pain.

[des1957]

Ok i will be going to the telegraph next month, i know where it is, will bring back memories as it is near my school where i went to. hope to get some tips from the guys.