Morris Minor Owners Club

[quote=Thankfully she started first time for the trip home.[/quote]
Perhaps a thank you for attending!

Not sure when the starting handles were changed to the combined type. Probably wont be quite as precise as the Series 2 / 1000 change but I expect someone will know.

Advantage with starting older prewar stuff on the handle is the compressions tend to be lower so even with a large multi cylinder engine you still stand a chance. Worst thing I once tried was a 1910 Austin (Large 4 cyl). Even with the decompression valves open you still had to turn it vigorously enough that there was a real danger of headbutting one of the enormous brass headlamps. I suspect there was a knack, or even the single pull once fuel and electrics were present, but I never mastered it...

I used to be in the Fire Service, and on a few occasions in the 70's had to start an old Dennis F24 (late 50's early 60's build) by starting handle.
These Fire Engines had a straight 8 Rolls Royce petrol engine, was not a hard as you would think

As usual the original parts are the best. A drop of oil down the inside of the swivel handle works well

Had to look in the boot for the handle this morning.
Definitely needed to have the bonnet open to check for correct engagement.
It took quite a few turns to get any life out of her.
Thank goodness it worked because my other half was laughing at my failed attempts and mouthing 'I told you that you should have got a golf!'

last new modern car we bought was a hillman imp in 1964, the starting handle was an extra but it worked

cannonfodder wrote:Had to look in the boot for the handle this morning.
Definitely needed to have the bonnet open to check for correct engagement.
It took quite a few turns to get any life out of her.
Thank goodness it worked because my other half was laughing at my failed attempts and mouthing 'I told you that you should have got a golf!'

No ,don't get a Golf! You'll either die of boredom or by having your head smashed on the windscreen when you touch the brakes!

The guide on my Series MM seems to have disappeared. Has anyone seen it lying around?