Morris Minor Owners Club

hi,

having problems with the engine cutting out.

On way back from work on Thursday the engine cut out after stopping in traffic. (took about 10 attempts to get in going again.) Friday morning was unable to start the engine.

Checked: Spark plugs - fine, fuel pump - fine, carburetor - fine, float chamber - fine.

Managed to start the engine today(monday) but was reversing to take it out on a run and the engine cut again and now unable to start.

Wondering if the coil could be on it's way out or whether it may be something else electrical due to suddeness of cut out.

any ideas?

Many thanks

The suddeness of the engine stoppage does suggest an ignition problem as
a fuel supply problem would usually be less abrupt. Obviously you should
check all connections in the ignition circuit especially the coil leads. A faulty
coil will usually fail after the car has warmed up. If the car will not start then
with the ignition 'on' remove the dizzy cap and flick the points open with an
insulated screwdriver, you should see a spark at the points and if you do then
that is a good rough check that the 12v supply is ok through the coil and up
to the points. You would also need to check the rotor arm and the little central carbon brush which presses on it. Remember to change only one thing at a time as you work through the problem or you will never know what cured it!

Could be condensor or low tension lead or insulating washers on points terminal shorting out.

Rog

Start with the simple loose connection/broken wire checks. Then points/rotor arm/condensor/dizzy cap/coil/HT leads. It's handy to have a complete spare dizzy to drop in - and of course a spare coil. Quick substitution gets the car going again - the problem to be sorted out later when time and place permit. As Willie says - if you can, just change one thing at a time - if you have the patience for that!