Morris Minor Owners Club

Been having some problems with the minor not starting up reliably in the morning, one day it works the next it doesnt even turn over, but it always crank starts.

Spent several days checking everything, from the battery, the distributor, to the starter solenoid, and eventually today I thought I should just get on with it and take the starter off.

Well turns out it's pretty broken,and both the Pinion gear and the Control nut have shattered.

And I'm wondering if it would be worth me trying to get replacement parts and fitting them (ive seen the gear for a few quid on ebay but not the control nut). Elsewhere a new replacement is an option but a little expensive. Or should I just cough up and get a whole new motor? and if so whats the best part to replace it with? (annoyingly bull motif wont exchange for my motor type, and E.S.M's seems to be an unknown new part with no exchange)

Also is there some way I can test out if the rest of the motor would be functioning if I do opt to switch the pinion? The Brushes looks to have plenty of wear left on them, but the inside of the motor casing was awash with grease and dirt...

Thanks!
- John[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

You can renew the broken parts (Bendix)- but you need a special spring compressor to do the job. Not too difficult to make.To test the motor - clamp it in a vice (or wedge it with your foot against a bench) - and touch jump leads to it. It will spin merrily! Watch out for sparks......don't do it near a freshly charged battery... Club spares had new starters advertised for £30 recently - well worth it I think! You can then repair that one at your leisure as a spare.