Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi folks

I have a Traveller from 69 with 1098 cc engine. Yesterday i experinced something rather strange. When I turned the key to start , the solenoid just clicked. If I push the rubber buttom on the solenoid, with the key with ignition on, the engine starts !!! But not when im only using the key. The battery is ok. The starter is okay. Is it the solenoid that is faulty ???

cheers
Carsten

The solenoid casing needs to be earthed - just check it is firmly connected to nice clean metal. If it's not that then it's worth testing it with a length of cable directly from the battery, just in case it's the key-switch contacts that have partially failed. If it still doesn't work - then likely it's a new solenoid. Most unusual - normally very reliable.

Classic symptom of failed solenoid. The click is the elctromagnet moving the plunger to close the contacts, but not moving it far enough. You pressing the plunger makes it work. sometimes cleaning etc as suggested works, but usually a new solenoid. Watch out, many new ones don't have the rubber button; but they are available from Auto Electric Supplies or Vehicle wiring Products.

If only I had found this thread before! The replacement starter I have for my 1970 Trav doesn't have the rubber button, also I need the correct screws - is there a specific part number I could quote to make sure I get the right one this time?

Matt

The replacement starter I have for my 1970 Trav doesn't have the rubber button,

Unfortunatly it wont have, the button is on the solenoid which is seperate from the starter and located on the bulkhead.

Replacement starter ?? Have they given you a pre-engaged unit intended for a Mini ? If so - it won't work. Only the early cylindrical solenoids have the nice big rubber capped button - such a useful thing. Later ones are smaller and square - and no manual button.

I'm convinced they've given me the wrong one (my usual exuse when something doesn't work!) Several people have confirmed i've wired it up correctly - the only thing is a friend tried to help and used the wrong screws.

Does anyone know where I can get hold of a suitable replacement with the correct screws? Would someone be kind enough to post a link? The screwdriver trick is becoming tiresome!

Have a look in a local breakers yard. See if you can get a replacement there.

Only the early cylindrical solenoids have the nice big rubber capped button - such a useful thing. Later ones are smaller and square - and no manual button.

well the later ones do have a manual button the wee red one on the top of it between the two contacts.

Hmm - it doesn't work on any of mine - but maybe there is a cap that can be prised off to reveal that red button - is that what you have done ? And UOG - i'm sure it's nothing to do with 'screws' ! Have you tried jumping it with a wire from the main cable to the solenoid actuation terminal ?

afaik the red top ones are fixed and the black ones have a push button

Agreed, you can't press the red top, it is solid plastic. The button is at the bottom of the 'useful' soloniods.

Get an earlier car with a pull start - the starter switch has a little pin you can push to operate it from inside the engine bay