Engine cut out only when idling

[MontyTheMinor]

Hey guys and girls,

Having just got myself a 1969 2 Door Saloon, Monty, I was looking forward to my first post being a positive one but sadly not the case, instead, I come seeking the advice of someone in the know!

My car, Monty, runs fantastically when moving and I was impressed at how spritely he was for a 46 year old car however as soon as I come to a stop and the revs drop, whether in fear with clutch down or not, or just start him up and leaving him idleing he cuts out as it stalling.

There's no bangs or crashes or grinding noises to speak over he simply cuts out. It takes some effort to get him starting again, usually having to use the choke, and then sit in the accelerator slightly to prevent him going again.......meaning he is undrivable as I don't know when or where he'll stop next - first set of lights no doubt.

If someone could offer any advice or suggestions as to why Monty does this I would be so grateful. I've wanted a Minor since I was about 5 and now I have one I don't want this to be the think I think of every time of him!

Thanks in advance all!

[don58van]

Hi Monty's keeper

It sounds like he might have his idling speed set too low.

There is an adjustment for idle speed on the carburettor.

Do you have a workshop manual for Monty? If not, you must get one. One option is to get a pdf version from the web. Search for Morris Minor Workshop manual and you will find one to download free of charge. You could of course get a print version. Once again, a search on the web will find you either a factory (BMC) workshop manual or one from the many other publishers with their own versions. The Haynes version seems to be popular for some reason that I don't fully comprehend.

The manual will show you the adjustments on the carby.

Best wishes to you and Monty
Don

[philthehill]

Attached is a diagram (Fig. BBB.4) of the carb adjustment controls:-
Number 5 is the slow running adjustment screw.
The engine idling speed should be such that the ignition/charging light is out but starts to come on/flicker when the clutch is fully dipped.[frame][/frame]

[MontyTheMinor]

Ahhh, fantastic I'll give that a go first before I start taking bits off! I have got the Haynes manual by and have now downloaded the pdf, thanks.

I'll give that screw some adjustment and update on any progress!

Thanks for the quick replies, I knew this would be a good place to start.

J & Monty

[bmcecosse]

If it's going well - it probably just needs some fine tuning at idle - to the speed/mixture/ignition timing. Worth checking the vacuum advance too... And when was the oil and filter last changed? The air filter will need checking too. If you post up your location , there's every chance a kindly soul will pop round and make the adjustments for you.

[simmitc]

whether in fear with clutch down or not

Don't frighten the poor thing then

Seriously, as above, general tune up and set idel speed correctly should resolve the issue for you. I hope that you enjoy many happy years with Monty.

[MontyTheMinor]

Cheers again guys, I'll give it a go and update with results!

[don58van]

Roy (BMCeccosse) is correct as usual -- while it would be nice if it is nothing more than the idle speed being set too low, there is a good chance that some other settings would need to be tweeked. Indeed, Monty might need a thorough tune-up and some parts might need to be replaced.

However, fingers crossed that an idle speed adjustment is the only correction that is required. We can't tolerate him failing to proceed in hazardous situations.

Don

[philthehill]

As the OP states that "the car runs fantastically when moving and I was impressed with how spritely he was for a 46 year old car" I doubt that there is very much wrong with the running performance of the engine but a check over/health check would not go amiss.

[mike.perry]

Before you adjust anything, mark the positions of screws and nuts with Tipex or similar. that way if you loose track of where you are you can always go back to the beginning and start again

[MontyTheMinor]

Evening all,

So had a chance to have a look at Monty's idling screw today and after a couple of attempts it was having no effect.....until......I noticed that one of the two nuts holding the carb onto the block was so loose I could turn it by hand, this meant that the gasket was leaking air!

So, after a tightening of said nut and another go I got it sorted and he's idling away like a gooden now.

Thanks for the advice, especially @philthehill.

This has miraculously sorted my fuel gauge issue also, as the gauge was stuck on empty and is now showing 3/4 full and changing when ignition is switched on.

Really pleased by today's aadvances - next up washer motor replacement and seat belts I think!

J & Monty