Irish Mini Owners Club

Thanks Billy, will update with how I get on.

Thanks Billy, how long would I need to let it warm up?

Back again for some advice Guys. Started car for first time in few months today. Car spluttering and backfiring. Tried adjusting fuel, didn't solve issue. Checked plugs and 1/2 were wet and black, and 3/4 were sooty. This was after only about ten minutes warm up, and a quick(and chugging) drive roun...

Update.

Just wanted to say thanks again for the help and advice. Been great going for a blast in the mini, anything that puts a smile on your face these days is a bonus.

Thanks, excuse the ignorance. Getting impatient, can't wait to take it for a spin.

Quick update. Am still waiting on new clutch slave. Got a few minutes today and removed the operating lever. When I took it out I was able to rotate the throw-out stop fully and to move it in and out. However when I cleaned and re-installed the operating lever it hardly moves?? Is this normal? Thanks.

Clutch slave was seized alright. New one ordered.

Forgot to mention that when the car is off I can put it in gear. However when I started it it would not go into gear.

Update. Thanks to advice from here got car started today. Added a bit of oil to dashpot and petrol to carb and after a while got it going. Lots of crappy smoke, never made me so happy! Clutch still stuck, used screw driver to moved it slightly, and tried starting in first and second to no avail. Did...

Hi, Clutch pedal is stuck, and in the arm is stuck also, no movement. Ye, hopefully nearly there. Will try the oil and petrol. Do I need a specific dashpot oil? Was using easy start today instead of petrol in the carb, is that ok or is petrol better?

Thanks.

Today I checked for spark, go no spark at all. Took off cap and leads and cleaned cap and checked leads for cracks etc. points seemed a little corroded, gave them a quick clean in situ and put all back together. After this I got a weak spark on all leads. Cranked over a good few times and got a weak...

Thanks so much for the advice. I am crippled with a lack of knowledge and talent! Next time I get to car I'll check for a good spark. After that I presume I'll check for petrol getting to the carb.

Thanks Guys.

Update. Replaced the faulty solenoid today. Car still cranking but not starting. Didn't even get to check spark, noticed clutch is really stuck. Engine bay is quite rusty in general. Any advice on freeing clutch? Should I throw in new spark plugs, leads and condenser and points? Already put in a new...

Hi, didn't get the mini started, but am delighted I did get it cranking. Will hopefully get time to have a go again tomorrow.

Thanks.

Great thanks guys. Will update ye on how I get on.

Thanks, have the battery out charging. Could I stick jump lead from positive direct to solenoid, and ground other jump lead to engine block? Would that have the same effect? Thanks for all your help.

Tried the above this evening, heard no clicking. I forgot to check dashboard lights, but headlights and interior light were on. I will stick the battery on a trickle charge just to be sure it has enough juice.

I re-connected the alternator, and no sparks today.

Thanks very much, will give it a try.

Hi, not sure on alternator. Will check later.
Yes, dashboard lights came on with the ignition on.
Motor did not crank to the start position.

My, cheap and nasty Lidl, battery tester tells me my battery is in decent condition.

Thanks.

Hi, I am trying to start a 1973 car that has sat in a shed for about 7/8 years :roll: I have drained old fuel and put in 5l of fresh petrol. I hooked up a battery and lights work, but nothing happens when I turn the key except the alternator sparks so I unplugged it. I think, in my very limited expe...