Morris Minor Owners Club

So every minor I've owned has had a lovely trick up their sleve:

For the first few months pop open the passenger door - preferably at the most inconvenient moment.

I say "pop open" - rather the door goes to the 'saftey catch'.

Is there some black art to adjusting the door catch? It's driving me nuts! I thought I'd got it right with Hebe after a few months (and surprisingly I've not had to adjust her for over a year now) but I reckon Carrie and Hebe have been talking because Carrie's doing the same thing.

All PyoorKate could say on the way to the airport was "well, you need a superior four-door catch!"

Help! I'm considering Voodoo!

I've got this problem as well and I'm sure it's because the (bronze coloured) door lockbar thingie is worn out (very rounded) rather than a problem with the chrome striker plate. I keep meaning to place two thin plastic washers under the striker plate.....

Nikki, have a close look to see if the door plunger is engaged on the striker plate correctly. If it settles between the safety catch and the back face of the striker then loosen the two screws and move the plate outwards, only enough to allow the plunger to locate correctly when a bit of pressure is applied to the door.
As Chris states the problem you describe is normally due to a worn plunger, if this is the case then remove the striker plate and pack/space it until it locates the doors plunger. Sounds silly but just check the door seal on the B post as movement or misalignment can throw thw doop fit out. Good luck!!

Also.. if the plunger is not engaging deeply enough behind the lock plate
then you may be in need of some shims on the front hinges to move the
door backwards slightly OR you are suffering flexing due to inadequate
strength in the body due to rust.

Hell I certainly hope not, especially on Carrie. Its a lot easier to adjust the striker plate that move the whole door!

hi nikki
i have the same on the trav i have was on the pass door but that stoped and now its on the driver door i know the problem its the brass plunger that has worn too much so opens a little but ha i were a seat belt .i will change it one day once i find out how and take one off the spare door up the loft
see ya
chris

And do make sure you have the door locator pin, or whatever it's called.
It's a pin that is on the door, and a plate with a hole on the B post. that cured my door problem

If you do decide to move the door back, Jonathon sells some nifty laser cut spacers that work a treat. BTW, Does anyone know of a source for new plungers? (door lock variety!)

Nikki,

Glad you didn't lose one of the passengers

I find I tend to set the plate just a bit too far "in" - possibly trying to keep the draft out!

I usually find that I need large Phillips screwdriver to get the bolts done up tight enough... (maybe a lever through the handle?).

I certainly wouldn't expect Carrie to need re-alignment of the doors just yet.

All the best,

Colin

Nikki,

When I adjusted my striker plate for the same problem I used an impact screwdriver. The amount I use it means that a Halfords one is fine and it is very good for undoing and doing up screws where the slot or cross head is damaged. Also a final 'Whack' does them up really tightly.

ColinP wrote:Nikki,

I find I tend to set the plate just a bit too far "in" - possibly trying to keep the draft out!

I usually find that I need large Phillips screwdriver to get the bolts done up tight enough... (maybe a lever through the handle?).
Colin

Till today, my doors closed beautifully ! The plate on my Trav pass. door now shifts IN on closure but then back OUT -leaving the door only partly closed. The holding screws allow this to happen but are tight enough for the plate to scrape off the paint as it shifts. Great ! Seems you no sooner read bout someone else's Morris problem than the part starts acting up on yours. Will try your solution Colin before seeking more advice. (Maybe Voodoo as Nikky suggested. )