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Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 9:39 pm
by DaveC
1992 Mini City 1000

The battery is fully charged.
Turn the ignition key to start, the oil light and ignition light come on, but then nothing happens. The oil and ignition lights stay on full.

Trying the same with the headlights on, the lights stay on full. I am guessing power isn't getting to the starting motor.

Any suggestions for what the problem is and how I get going again?

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 10:41 pm
by Billy
Dave, it could be the starter solenoid? Is there a click when you turn the key?
If No, It's a faulty solenoid. If yes, It's probably the starter.

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 8:41 am
by The Marcos Graveyard
Hit the solenoid on top of the starter motor a few smacks with a hammer, might encourage it a bit.

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 9:44 am
by Billy
And failing that, take a screwdriver and arc between the two connections of the solenoid. If that works, it's the solenoid is definitely the problem.

There probably won't be many tractor supplies outlets near you Dave, though I may be wrong, but they're handy for supplying the old-style push-button solenoids.

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:18 pm
by DaveC
Thanks for the suggestions, I will have a look later.

There is no click when you turn the key.

I was wondering if it might be the relay for the starter?

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:22 pm
by Billy
This is the type I use on the older Minis cos even if it fails, you can get started by just pushing the button. It can also be very handy for setting points etc.

There's probably cheaper than this locally;

http://www.retroclassiccarparts.com/pus ... 76464-copy

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 9:54 pm
by woody
I think '92 is a pre-engaged starter with the solenoid on the motor.
Also your car will have a starter relay between the ignition switch and solenoid.I think its on the inner wing beside the servo.
The wire from the ignition switch to relay also has a bullet connector behind the heater where the inhibitor would be connected in an automatic car, this connection needs to be closed.
It is easy for a small amount of dirt to jam the solenoid but it is easy to split in two and clean.

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 1:10 pm
by DaveC
It was dark when I looked at this last night so I gave the solenoid a few taps with a hammer, pulled out the relay and cleaned up the contacts, and it fired up straight away. Thanks all for your comments

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 8:32 pm
by woody
Getting it ready for MTM?

Re: Engine doesn't turn over

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 4:11 pm
by Billy
Or bring it down to the Bog Run this Sunday.