Morris Minor Owners Club

just a quick one.

I had to jump start the morris last week, drove it to halfords to get some bits, went the start it again but nothing. Decided to change the battery which I was going to do anyway, started fine. Now, today, three days later, same problem - not starting. even with the new battery.

Could this be the dynamo or starter motor?

Thanks

It's obviously not charging the battery! Is the fan belt tight? Is the Ign warning light on. Check the volts - should be 13.8 volts at the battery with decent revs.

A new battery should hold its charge longer than 3 days. Check interior light is not staying on. Does dynamo get warm when this happens, if so, it could be problem with control box. Worth carrying out voltage check as well to make sure system is charging properly.

thanks for the replies.

It is surprising if the battery died after a journey of 2 miles back from halfords then three days of no use. And I've had no problems up till last week with it starting. I'll check the voltage and get back to you

Thanks

Is there a cig lighter fitted? Check it's not stuck in, it can happen and they get very hot

no cig lighter. I know I tried the interior light after the new battery was fitted I could have left that one. But would that small light have even drained a new battery?

Indeed yes. The new battery may only have had a partial charge in it - needing a good run to charge it completely.

I've tested the battery. And its full charged. So something else it stopping it from starting.

When I turn the ignition I do get the click and the petrol gauge works.

If you've just stuck a volt meter across the battery and got 12V it doesn't mean it's fully charged. You could get 12V by putting torch batteries in a line but it won't start your car.
Get the car running then test the battery voltage, it should be over 12V if it's getting a charge from the dynamo / alternator

Have you charged the battery yet ? Start the engine on the handle - and then check the battery volts at good revs.... Worth just checking the battery and lead connections are all clean and tight......

Thanks for the advice.

Silly question - do you think it will be ok to start with handle. I know the previous owner (20+ years) never did. It wont damage anything will it?

Only your thumb if it gets in the way

ha!.... wheres my girlfriend... surely I need to be sitting behind the wheel.....

Hope she's got arms like Popeye! And has eaten her spinach.

So I got it started. (push started)

Took it for a drive and tried the electrics and it all worked fine. Surely that means the dynamo is working putting the charge back in the battery?

The voltage over the battery when running was 14v

Any ideas?

That's good volts - so there must be a drain. Disconnect the battery overnight immediately after a good run - and reconnect in the morning. Does it start ?

bmcecosse wrote:That's good volts - so there must be a drain. Disconnect the battery overnight immediately after a good run - and reconnect in the morning. Does it start ?

Will do, and thanks for the consistent advice

Just check that the ignition light is not staying on when the ignition is off. Could be a regulator problem if so?

So this morning I went to start again. Full battery. But no start. I dont have an ignition light at all. Thanks

Did it not turn over at all? Must be bad connections - or faulty starter motor. Are the headlamps bright? Do they stay bright when you try to start? Can you hear the solenoid activating when you turn the key? \If it's a black rubber top solenoid - what happens if the press the top - does the starter crank over? No Ign light is not a good sign - but your dynamo is ok when you say 14 volts.