Morris Minor Owners Club

Went to sart my Traveller today and when I turned the key to the first stop there was a loud grinding/whirring noise - at first I thought it was the blower on the heater but that was off. I turned the key to start the engine and it started first time but then cut out. The noise didn't stop.

It can't be the starter because it happens before you turn the key to the start position.

Could it be the fuel pump?

Any suggestions?

Jon

This could be really embarrassing - could it be that I am just out of fuel?

Not the fuel pump, that clicks or thumps, it doesn't whirr.

Things that whirr:- wiper motor, heater fan motor, starter motor.

A couple of questions:

Have you done any work on the car since it last ran properly without the noise?

How long did the engine run before cutting out?

I can only think that there is a short circuit providing power to the starter side of the solenoid, via the ignition circuit. (a dangling wire loose from the regulator connection perhaps), giving enough current to turn over the motor, but not fast enough to engage the starter dog.

You have now blown a fuse, hence the engine stops.

Well, it's a theory.

Alternate theory, you have run out of fuel or have a blockage, and the whirring noise is the pump, trying to suck on nothing, and the engine ran for long enough to empty the carburettor float chamber, then, no more fuel.

i had that, i cleaned contacts on fuel pump and it worked fine. check it and hopefully thats all it is.

Ben

Put some fuel in it and see!! Fuel pump will tick-tick-tick rapidly if no fuel to pump. i think that's your noise.

neither the ignition circuit or the fuel pump are fused on the Minor so that
will not be the cause of your engine stoppage.

It's stopped because there is little or no fuel getting through the pump - which is rattling away pumping air!!

Sounds like what happened when my starter motor got stuck. Give the starter a smack with something and see what happens

Not at the 'first' position of the switch.

aah. theres only one position on the conv. its a pull start

Better than a 'push start' !

Thanks for all the suggestions. It turns out it was just out of fuel!

I think the noise put me off - I assumed it was a sign of much worse.

Dooohh !