Morris Minor Owners Club

I've booked my recently acquired Morris traveller into a Morris garage on Wednesday, but currently I won't be able to get there without a jump start. The battery probably needs anyway (6 years old).

Should I pick a standard one up in Halfords for the next 3/4 years, or should I rely on the jump start and see what the garage offer?

I've not found my multimetre, so can't confirm the battery is to blame.

Try your local scrapyard, pick up second-hand batteries FAR
cheaper than Halfords!

A 'Morris' garage sounds ominous.... Is the battery being charged when the engine starts ? Red light going out ? Dynamo or alternator? Fan belt good and tight ? Have you tried charging it for 24 hors ? Costco is great place for batteries - huge selection. Or search ebay for someone close to you selling 'Lucas' batteries. I got a great deal on one last year and it works well. Hellfrauds tend to be 'expensive' to say the least!

I put a new battery in today (Halfords is just about walking distance with a battery from a bus stop, which ruled out all other places).
The car has an alternator (from 2003 I think). I can't remember what the voltage reading was on idle (cold start). It seemed a little low but I didn't have anyone with me to try on a faster engine speed.

Anything thing else, I'll leave to the garage tomorrow. I didn't want to name the place, but I am lucky to have it less than 15 miles away.

they do honour there 4 year guarentee my dads saab battery expired after 3 years 11 months they changed it with no fuss

I assume the car is Negative earth then... Just pull the 'choke' out slightly for a faster idle.. Should be 13.8/14 volts and should maintain at least 13.6 when headlights and heater fan are on.

Thanks for the replies. It definitely wasn't as high as 13.8 volts.

Negative Earth is correct. I assume this is what makes the battery terminals difficult to access? I had to use a small bicycle adjustable wrench and even then struggled to hold the nuts properly. You can forget fitting a socket tool... I used wire wool to clean the clips, but I am wondering if this was a good idea?

Since you mention the heating fan. Is that what the toggle switch on its own below the keyhole is? I am not familiar with the controls and haven't found a guide online.

Heater fan switch is on the underside of the heater. You can get a FREE download of the Workshop Manual by Googling for it!

Thanks. I have a 1967 printed copy. Is the dashboard layout on a particular page? I assume I'd want an owners handbook equivalent.

You need the Driver's Handbook
Standard 1098 Minor Controls
Switches R to L Choke - Lights - Ignition/Starter - Wipers - Push Button Washer Pump
Underneath driver's glove box - Heater valve control
Under Ign Switch - Panel Light Switch
Front of Heater - Heater Fan Switch
Floor left of Clutch Pedal - Foot operated Dip Switch
Under Gearbox Cover Panel - Brake Master Cylinder

Many thanks all for the help. The car is getting a new alternator as the current one is only charging on high revs.

Thanks for the information about controls. I think I've sussed all controls except the heaters. Is there some instructions anywhere for optimal use of the heater. So far I've just been driving with both windows open to clear the air?

Here you go, you can just see the positions marked next to the heater control lever, car at the top, screen in the middle and off at the bottom. The heater valve control is under the dash, you can just see part of it at the right of the picture - push the knob to open the valve and allow hot water through the heater. The silver toggle switch under the heater is the fan on/off.

Unfortunately the right side of the photo gets chopped off so you cannot see the heater valve control. The other slide control on the heater is the car/demister.
Air con was not fitted to this model

Thanks for the information. I got her back from the garage with a new alternator too.

I took her out today and managed to get the heater working thanks to the clear instructions. Thanks again all!

The Minor DOES have air-con! The quarter lights are swiveled round to direct lovely fresh air into the car - works a treat !!