Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all
OK after 2.5 years of my poor morris sitting in the garage, I've discovered that
(1) it won't start
(2) it won't move
(3) I can't remember why I stopped using it!

All I know just now is the battery is flat, when I jump it the fuel pump doesn't make it's little noise, and when I tried to push it that it was stuck...

I have to clear my garage so handed my keys to a mechanic and said "see whats wrong with it"

Have I made a mistake? He has told me it will cost £200-£300 to:

pick it up, replace the fuel, change the battery, and to try to get it to go. If it needs anything special (and he wonders if it might need a fuel pump) that will be on top of that.

I don't have a lot of cash (really!) (like everyone!!) and am worried that I might be wasting what I have.

Any hints or advice - I can still call him in the morning to cancel, but I do need to clear my garage by this weekend!

Thx as always

1. have you got a crank handle? could try to start it with that.or charge battery
2. brakes are probably ceased, did you have the handbrake on while stored?
3. that's in the past start using it!

points on fuel pump may be also ceased, give it a light tap and listen if it's making any noise
£200-300 seems a little pricey, but depends on if that includes all parts needed

good luck?

Oh dear! The brakes will all be stuck on Barry - and I expect the tyres are flat.. The fuel pump contacts will need cleaning (as will the dizzy points) - and yes the old petrol will have 'gone off'. The clutch may also be stuck to the flywheel now. The battery will likely be ruined if it has lain flat all that time. Sounds like a LOT of money for not a lot of work. Why the sudden need to clear the garage ?? And - I would still like that old engine if you have it!!

PM sent!

Tyres seem OK...

You can not drive it on the road since it has no MOT and therefore no insurance or valid tax disc, so you are going to incur the cost of having it trailered. If you want it returned with an MOT then the garage is going to have to give it a complete service. How is the bodywork, rust etc.?
I fear that you could be looking into a bottomless pit.

Not worth paying anyone that money to get it running!! There is so little to stop it running that 1 hour of anyones labour should do the trick!

How clear of the garage to do you have to get? If the brakes are locked-up it's very likely the rears. If so, you can slide a rolling floor jack under the rear, jack it up by the differential and roll it that way. You could also jack it up and slip some cheap wheel dollies under it. If you've got anywhere else to put it at the moment you will save considerable money by doing whatever it needs yourself -- even if you need to have it towed -- and/or finding a cheap but good shade-tree mechanic to help you out.

Then again, if your life is crazy and your in the midst of a move, it's sometimes easier to bite the bullet and pay somebody to deal with something.