8 replies to this topic

[BaronVonchesto]

Finally got down to fixing my non working reverse lights today. Last owner redid the wiring adding relays etc (a good thing), but did an awfully shoddy job (same coloured wires, tape everywhere, etc.) Everything except the reverse lights have been working brilliantly so I dont want to touch the rest of the wiring as Id have to strip it out completely and redo it.

 

Decided I'd just pull a new set of wires for the reverse light instead of tying to make heads or tails of the existing wiring. I fitted a relay and patched to the ignition switch (white wire) for the main supply and patched the power for the relay coil from the ignition lamp at the speedo.

 

Everything works brilliantly, EXCEPT for the fact that I cant crank the engine! In the on position all electrics, accessories, lamps etc work fine. The moment I turn the key, it all cuts out (as it should) but the motor doesnt crank. Just click-"off".

 

What could be the problem? Looking at the wiring diagram, I see that the White wire from the ignition barrel goes straight to the ignition coil. Im tempted to think that theres a contact issue, but the ignition lamp comes on when the key is turned off.

 

My car is a 76 Mini 1000 saloon (but I removed the triple clock and put a centre speedo)

[nicklouse]

what type of starter is it?

[Retroman]

Could be quite a few things but how good is the battery ? and solenoid ? could also be a bad connection / loose nut

 

Could also be the starter stuck in the flywheel, sometimes they stick on the shaft and don't return as they should

 

 I was going to say as its cold your battery is not as good, -1 here last night....but guess thats not the case in Malaysia...

[BaronVonchesto]

what type of starter is it?

Hmm im not sure. Probably a standard inertial type since its a 76 mini?

How do I check. It has a coil and a distributor. Not very helpful, but thats all I can tell for now.

 

Could be quite a few things but how good is the battery ? and solenoid ? could also be a bad connection / loose nut

 

Could also be the starter stuck in the flywheel, sometimes they stick on the shaft and don't return as they should

 

 I was going to say as its cold your battery is not as good, -1 here last night....but guess thats not the case in Malaysia...

 

Battery is weak but should be okay to crank the engine. Just to be sure I'll try charge it up and give it a go. Car could crank 2 days ago, so its likely that its something I did with the wiring.

If the starter is stuck in the flywheel, what can be done?

Edited by BaronVonchesto, 20 November 2017 - 04:18 PM.

[BaronVonchesto]

I also note in the wiring diagram that the White-Red cable goes from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. Hopefully its just a loose connection there...

[Retroman]

Over here the pre-engauged starter came in about 1980/81 they have the round solenoid mounted on top.

Yours will probably be the inertia type.... just the starter with a solenoid mounted on the inner wing...sometimes these can need removing and a good rust removing session as they have to earth through the metal mounting bracket / wing

 

If the pinion is stuck in the flywheel you can waggle the end of the shaft with a spanner it sticks out of the end of the starter towards the oil filter. You might find it moves easier then and may hear it click back out when you move it. You can also put the car in 3rd gear remove the handbrake and shove it back and forwards which should release it.

   If it is stuck or not moving well it will need removing and cleaning. Ideal thing is to have it clean and dry so it moves freely, the pinion should slide / spin back on its own. They get made up with clutch dust and sometimes oil.

[BaronVonchesto]

Ultimately it was just the battery. I have bigger problems now as my dad tried to be helpful by taking out the battery and charging it, but he connected it the wrong way round! 

[Ethel]

It may well be dead, but you could run it flat  through a headlight bulb, check the electrolyte level, and then attempt to charge it in the right direction. Don't put it on the car if you're not sure of the polarity!

[BaronVonchesto]

It may well be dead, but you could run it flat  through a headlight bulb, check the electrolyte level, and then attempt to charge it in the right direction. Don't put it on the car if you're not sure of the polarity!

Heh ya... thats exactly what i told my dad!

Couple of melted wires replaced, and a dead radio and a new ignition coil later, my engine is back on again :)