Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Everyone,

I took delivery of my first morris minor traveller just before Christmas and have been for a couple of short spins. During the cold weather I have started it in the garage for about 10 minutes each weekend having warmed the engine compartment up with an electric heater. Recently the car wont start and wont even turn over. I have recharged the battery and cleaned the spark plugs but still no joy.

I have used the choke on starting but, and this is the really stupid question ...... have noticed another pull-out button on the right below the steering column. Should I be using this as part of the starting process ?

Grateful for any advice and top tips for winter starting.

Robinofsherwood

Hi,

when you say below the steering column - is that on the left of the steering column as that is the heater control on post 63s and will not help.

Try cleaning the points in the distributor and resetting them to 15thou. Should solve the problem all being well.

If the engine will not turnover then you most likely have a flat battery, maybe it has died despite being charged, or the connections are loose. Turn everything on and check if the headlights are bright. If you still have some power in the battery try starting it on the handle.

hi,
agreed, check the lights etc, if they're dim, try the handle.
does the engine spin freely on the handle?
when you attempt to start it, does it spin for a good time but with no spark, or does it groan and give up?!
tried wiggling the king lead?
either that, or you may have a problem with the fuel pump. does it click with the ignition turned on?

also check that the starter solonoid is working ,if you don,t have the turnover button on the solonoid take the rubber insulators off both terminals,turn the ignition on and bridge the both terminals with a screwdriver or similer if she doesn,t turn over then the solonoid is knackered if she turns over and still won,t start then start looking for power failier further back assuming you have a sound battery. p.s make sure the gearbox is in neutral before carrying out the above,the solonoid is in the engine bay on the left hand side of the bulkhead just under where the battery is it has two thick leads connecting it to the battery.

Can we assume it has anti-freeze in the radiator ??
Does the engine still turn over on the handle ?

Thanks for the advice everyone. This should keep me busy over the weekend.

let us know if there's anything more we can do.
if you get really stuck, you can call me on sunday (i'm working saturday)
07900188871
and i'll be happy to offer what advise i can

Thanks Matt that's really helpful. I work away from home during the week and hope to have time at the weekend.

Best Regards[frame][/frame]

Just make sure the connections on your battary are on tight,I had a similar thing with mine when after re charging I fitted the battary and it worked fine but the following week it was dead,I checked the leads and found one had worked its way slightly loose,when connected properly it started straight away