Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all, not sure if I'm in the right place to post, sorry if i'm not *new member* BUT this is my problem, my morris minor 1000 has been sitting for just under a year as I went off to uni and its not starting now, it tries but it just wont turn over.
Just wondering if anyone had any tips as to how I could help it along, I'm pretty sure it's not terminal, but i'd rather not have to gather the "villagers" to help me start it![frame][/frame]

Check that the plugs aren't 'wet' maybe check/clean the rotar arm and points... check the carb has fuel in or the fuel pump 'ticks' a few times when ignition is on. Other than that i find pumping the pedal quite effective?

If you don't mind explaining, what do you mean by this bit "Check that the plugs aren't 'wet'. "
sorry im not overly familiar with these things

If it's been sitting for a year check the condition of the battery.

Will do, cheers

Ah okay...well you could remove the spark plugs, one by one so as to not confuse the plug leads! Once unscrewed the end of it should be dry and not black or oily. If you have a wire brush use this on it or a dry cloth

ah okay cool, thanks had no idea about that one

If it won't turn over then it is either the battery wants charging or renewing or else it is poor battery connections.
Have you tried with jump leads from another car?

yeah we've tried jumping it with a massive pickup and that wasn't enough, got closer to starting though. Ill check the connections and give the battery a recharge see if that helps, Thank you

if the battery is totally flat and unrecoverable then it will hamper the staring ,try another ,good luck

Work through in a logical sequence. The engine needs fuel and a spark.
Turn on the ignition and listen for the fuel pump ticking. It should stop when the carb. float chamber is full.
Is the battery turning the engine over rapidly? If not then charge the battery.
Are you getting a spark at the plugs? Remove them from the engine one at a time, check the condition and 0.025 gap hold the plug against a cylinder head stud with a pair of insulated pliers whilst turning the engine over on the starter and watch for a spark. Repeat for each plug.
Remove the distributor cap, check that all the plug leads are secure and check 0.015 gap at the points when open. Turn the engine so that the points are closed and flick the points open with a finger nail to see if they spark. Check the carbon brush in the dist. cap, it should push in and spring back out.
Pull each wire off the terminals on the coil, it should spark as you do this.
If the car still does not start, you can try kicking the hub caps

Can't really add to what has been said.

Love the picture though Freespirit, car really fits in with the surroundings.

Great advice thanks @mike.perry
Thanks for the response! its been really helpful advice ill give it all a go and see how it goes
thanks @dean i love my car! definitely perfect for where I live

Come back if it still won't start. We'll talk you though it.

Sometimes, it's the normal service items that just give up. It's finding which one it is. We'll get you going again.

my morris minor 1000 has been sitting for just under a year

Fuel may be too old.

freespirit_94 wrote:yeah we've tried jumping it with a massive pickup and that wasn't enough, got closer to starting though. Ill check the connections and give the battery a recharge see if that helps, Thank you

Was the starter spinning the engine quickly though? If not check all battery and earth connections including the earth strap from chassis to gearbox.

Indeed - as above - flat battery + old fuel. Charge the battery and pour some new fuel down the carb inlet - and crank it.. If it's been standing for a year - expect the brakes to be seized and very possibly the clutch plate frozen to the flywheel......

SHE LIVES!!!!
thanks for all the help guys, the battery was dead but the problem ended up being the fuel pump, smacked it a bit and got a friend to tinker etc, but she's alive now!!!!
YAY

Smacking it is only a temporary repair, best to replace the contacts or get another fuel pump or both.

Never wire brush plugs!!! Dry cloth wipe is fine.....