Morris Minor Owners Club

I have noticed that sometimes when I start from cold, turning over the engine seems to be a massive task for the starter motor. It eventually heaves it into action and after that things are fine (the battery is new and charged) Does anyone have any ideas ar is this normal?

Is the ignition so far advanced it's kicking against the starter? Most likely thing - retard the timing and see if that helps. Also check if there is a GOOD earth strap between engine and body - maybe just best to add on - can't do any harm.

Backed the ignition off- that seems to have fixed it. Thx

You may have now lost some efficiency/performance in the engine. Check if the vacuum advance is working !

In the end this was caused by two slightly loose long screws going through starter body

Hard to imagine....you said the ignition retarding helped. I suspect the kicking against the starter from the over advanced ignition may have loosened off the bolts.