pull start problem

[chris m]

Good afternoon

i am working on a friends morris minor 1000 1961
he is having problems with the pull start ,it works sometimes but not others?

This being my first time working on a 1000 im unsure on what the problem might be

any help or information would be great

many thanks

chris

[RobThomas]

Dirty contacts (either internal or externally). When you pull the cable it pulls a big brass/copper bar across two terminals inside the unit to make a big connection to allow oodles of sparky things to flow into the starter. If there is goo or corrosion between the terminals and the bar then it won't work. Likewise, goo might be stopping the terminals from touching the battery cables.

I'd suggest taking the battery cables off the starter gadget and giving them a clean up. It might also be a problem down at the starter end. If the nut holding the cable on has been abused (tightened without restraining the inner nut) then the terminal on the starter might be sheared. Always undo the starter terminal by using 2 spanners (1/2 AF or maybe Whitworth on early cars?)

You can alwats force the issue by lifting the bonnet and pushing the thin button between the terminals to help force the bar into position. Handy, too, if the cable has snapped.

[mike.perry]

Is the battery fully charged?
Are the terminals on the battery tight?
Will it start on the handle?

[chris m]

thanks guys

ive clean all the termails at both ends and it seems to be working ok now.

is the unit on the bulkhead where the termails attatch a sealed uint ?

was having a look but dident want to mess around with this too much.

was quite surprised at how well it runs and go'S

thanks again

chris

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I think it is sealed. Well done sorting the problem.