Morris Minor Owners Club

It was only a matter of time!

I can't figure out how the heater is meant to work, so I can't actually be sure it does work or not. Do I need to check anything to make it be working properly (i.e. do I put some kind of magic juice anywhere?). I can't figure it out as my Haynes manual doesn't seem to have anything relating specifically to heaters, unless it is in another section(?)

And once I figure out if it is broken or not, I can ask how to fix it if it is broken

Basic controls! At the front of the heater (that is the bit nearest the back of the car ) is a lever that moves up and down. It controls a flap that directs air. Down is off. Middle = screen (demist), up = cabin. Whatever you do with it, some air will leak out. Below the flap is a switch. It turns the fan on and off (single speed). Quite obvious form the noise if the fan is working (works only with ignition on). If no fan, then an electrical problem.

Air comes out from the slot between the lever and the switch, from the vents in the dashboard, and from two tubes that point down through the parcel shelf.

There should be a big hose running from the front of the car, through the bulkhead, and into the heater. This is the air intake. At speed, air flow is sufficient without the fan.

To the left of the steering column is a knob labelled "push for heat". Pushed in allows hot water into the heater, pulled out = no water flow. The knob moves a cable that controls a valve at the back of the cylinder head.

Likely problems are bad wiring, worn out fan, blocked heater matrix, faulty valve, broken cable.

So, what doesn't work? Do you get air flow. Do you get warm air? Does the cable move the valve? Is the flap there? If you report back on what is and isn't there, then we can offer more assistance. Happy hunting. BTW, needing to wear gloves in the winter doesn't count as a faulty heater

Ah, I knew how it should be switched on, I just wasn't sure if I needed to be driving or waiting a while or what!! I will have a play tomorrow or Thursday & see what happens.

As it stands, I don't think it is working, but I could be wrong I haven't really had time to look at things like that properly yet! I want a day off work to play!!

Ok, so when I turn on the hearter, absolutely noooooooothing happens

Check the fuse first!

If that is OK, check the wires are connected to the heater, on the late cars, the electrical feed for the heater comes via the regulator on the back of the speedometer. While you are fitting the new (second hand) glove boxes you should get in a few days, undo the two screws that hold the speedometer in, pull the speedo out of the dash and check that there is a wire (green from memory) that goes to the heater from a spade connector on the voltage regulator from the speedo.

The wiring diagrams in the manuals don't seem quite correct in these areas!

That is if you mean the heater fan isn't working.

If the fan works but no heat come from the heater- check the heater valve (at the back of the engine) the wire that connects valve to control may have broken, If the valve is OK, there are a few possibillites:-

1) car may have run out of coolant. (open radiator cap and check).
2) Heater hoses may be kinked (check hoses under dashboard)
3) heater may be blocked- remove heater and flush out both ways with a hose pipe.

1968 means it should have the fresh air heater fitted.
Is there air flow through the heater when the car is moving and the lever on the front in the highest position?
If you can vary the temperature of this air by pulling and pushing the knob that simmitc describes then the problem is just the fan.
The engine must be warmed up before you will get any heat from the heater as the water that cools one heats the other.
The change from hot to cold won't happen in a second because the water takes time to circulate.

Katie, if I understand correctly, you have the ignition on, then operate the switch for the heater, and the fan does not run. As Marky and Chickenjohn say, this is electrical. The feed wire should be green (which is used for LOTS of wires) or green and yellow. You could have (a) a faulty switch, (b) a faulty fan, (c) bad wiring, (d) a combination of all three! If the fuel gauge and brake lights are working, then the fuse is not a problem as all three circuits come from the same place.

Ideally, you need a voltmeter plus access to the wires at the switch. This will allow you to check that power is getting (i) to the switch and (ii) past the switch (when "on"). You might be able to find bullet connectors outside the heater where you can conduct these tests. Otherwise, it's remove the heater assembly for a strip down. Not difficult, just fiddly.

All the other things are working, just no noise at all when I turn the heater on (I am guessing by the rest of the car it should make some kind of noise?! )

I had the glove box liners out today & couldn't find any screws to take out the speedometer, I'm thinking this will have to be left for a while as I am just confused, I am hoping that I won't need the heater for a few months yet anyway

PLenty of time to figure it out

Look at your glove box liners say the passenger one, you should see a hole on the right side if it, no imagine the liner is in the glovebox. the hole is there so you can access the speedo retaining screws, you only need to undoo the screws about 3 turns each side of the speedo and it should enable you to pull the speedo out. if you undoo the screws to much they will fall out and can get lost in void.

Brilliant! thank you, I will have another look today.

This car really is becoming an obsession. And I don't car one jot

Katie, your enthusiasm is infectious!

BTW, I've had a look at your blog and notice that you will be in Kent delivering cakes. I haven't donated any money but if the donated glove boxes are any good to you then you are welcome to visit me in Margate and deliver a slice of cake! And of course have a cup of tea and look at my Minors.

I'll give your car a check over to make sure it is fit for the journey back as well if you like!

cheers
John

Katie,
Here's a photo to help with the speedo screws.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]
Regards
Declan

i had exactly the same issue when i 1st bought the car. a replacement switch was all that was required in the end.

I see you're coming to berkhamsted at some point http://www.kdexeter.co.uk/KatiesCar/?page_id=33

if it's not fixed by the time you're there, i can have a look at it for you - i'm just down the road :p

take the front cover off the and bypass the switch. then, once the ignition is turned on, it should start 'wher'-ing. if it does, just replace the toggle switch

Disconnect the battery before fooling with the speedo.......