Morris Minor Owners Club

Turns out was starter motor seizure; I just hadn't manouvered the square bit enough. Car just started thanks to Matt...Hoorah! (and thanks to all for v. useful instruction.

No problem! anyone got any tips to stop it happening again?

Packedup, I did something similar I put an earth strap between the blanking plate for the mechanical fuel pump and the engine mount towers.

Well the only way to prevent it is to dismantle the starter, and then clean it all up. But very importante! NO GREASE!!!!! Use graphite powder (or whatever the black stuff is called.

Since I am too lazy to do so, I always carry a 12mm spanner

Matt wrote:No problem! anyone got any tips to stop it happening again?

As Onne says, strip and clean it.. Although it might simply be time to replace it, or at the very least drop it off and make sure nothing's bent or otherwise toasted... Might also be worth trying to peer through the starter hole and check the ring gear.

If it does happen again, is there any chance a bit of wiggling with a starting handle would free it off? Might be worth trying to find one till the problem is properly sorted

Packedup, I did something similar I put an earth strap between the blanking plate for the mechanical fuel pump and the engine mount towers.

Do all Minor engines have the blanking then? I thought I read here somewhere only the Austin (LCV) ones did. And if all engines do have the blanking, then I take it the cams have the lobe to operate a mechanical pump? In which case, why do people bother struggling with the electric ones when a cheap A series mech one is so reliable and cheap?

Picture 1 is of Morris Minor engine which has a plate but seems to be welded in



Picture 2 is engine in my frogeye with mechanical pump

Packedup... I think I was just lucky with the mech pump blanking plate. I think your right about the austin engines

Well it varies on the 1275cc engines as well, as the marina ones all had the mechanical pump, and it is possible to machine off the blank section and fit a mechanical pump as the lobe is on all camshafts I am sure.
If you cant get any graphite powder for your starter spindle a good old fashioned HB lead pencil will do.

Rocking in gear (ignition off) usually frees starter. But there must be a problem with the bendix - it needs inspection. If there are any cracks starting on the casing - fit a new bendix.

rocking doesn't help all the time
But if you do get it stuck and want to try, this is a tip:
put it in 1st and rock BACKWARDS
put it in REVERSE and rock FORWARD.

Or just use a 12mm spanner

I think it was me who said about the Austin plate thing - I'd noticed it on my engines, and somebody at the National said they had too. It does seem to be a pretty good guide. No idea about the lobe though

I'm just jealous of any car which looks that pristine... :/

It looks like our branch chairmans Grand Master Travellers engine bay.