Morris Minor Owners Club

Need some real inspiration here. I have just complete a complete restoration on my 1965 moggy. The problem is the engine turns over very slowly. So cleaned up all connectors and double checked everyting.
Still the same problem. Engine new, gearbox new, distributor new, coil new, starter motor new, battery new. Spark plugs have good spark.
Checked earth gearbox to chassis, also put extra earth engine to chassis.
Still the engine hardly turns over.
So I am really at a complete loss. Could power be going elswhere?
PS now put on new solenoid.....still the same.
Any ideas where to go now??
PaulB

Does the eninge turn freely by hand with plugs out? Could be something not assmebled correctly. Also, does starter motor run OK off the car? Again, could be a faulty new unit. Also double check timing and firing order. Wrong connections or way too advanced ignition could cause kick-back which appears to make engine turn slowly. Good luck, it sounds like it ought to be a really nice car !

Try connecting a strong jump lead from the engine block to the body and trying again. If it improves matters then you have a bad earth, if it does nothing then you have a problem with the live feed or starter motor itself which can still be faulty even though it's new. Have you tried connecting a jump lead from the battery to the starter?? if the engine STILL hardly turns over then I would fit a 2nd hand known working starter motor and try again. If that work OK, then your engine breakaway torque might be too high. Have you measured it? I think the technique is listed in the workshop manual. Or just use a deflector type torque wrench on the front pulley.

This sounds like a starter motor on the way out, but you say you've fitted a new one.
Two things I would try: 1) turn the engine with the starting handle - does the engine turn easily and does it fire up quickly?
2) If you have jump leads and access to another car, what effect does it have when you connect the two batteries together -does the Minor's engine turn over quickly now?

Big thanks to Chris Morley, Cam and Simmitc for advice. Will give it a go at the week-end and keep you all updated !

2) If you have jump leads and access to another car, what effect does it have when you connect the two batteries together

you can also connect jump leads from the other car direct to the block and starter motor to rule out any of the vehicle battery and power lead connections.

Fully rebuilt engines are notorious for being high friction if there was any 'protective coating' used on the bores etc.. and as new parts are quite notorious for being faulty then the starter motor or battery may be the culprit.
For me the starting handle would be the first point of attack as it should show where the problem is coming from.

A few years ago I bought a 'new' (recon) starter motor which didn't work at all, so my first suspicion was that the new starter in this case hadn't been properly reconditioned. The slow engine turnover (and battery drain) were the exact symptoms that the failing (old) starter motor had.

Thank-you all for your help. Went through everything, still same problem. Went to Pub, 4 JD's, game of pool and back home. FLASH - timing ! Took off rocker cover, checked firing order - WOOPS, wrong big time. Re-set correctly, turn the key and instant life !!
What a muppet I felt, the moral, do not take anything for granted, go back to the very beginning and check EVERYTHING!
Big thanks again for all suggestions.
PaulB

At least its all sorted now Paul well done, and to quote Willie keep it simple as most problems are.

"double check timing and firing order" is exactly what I wrote on the first reply. Not trying to sound smug, it's just that I remember being in the same place many years ago..... Glad it's all sorted, look forward to seeing the car out and about.

it's just that I remember being in the same place many years ago...

Been there done that as well years ago, and a few others on here I suspect

Yup, guilty.