12 replies to this topic

[SilverSaloon]

Hi

 

my MK1 mini has a choke cable that springs back in automatically, and I believe needs to be twisted to lock it in position till it needs to be put back in - however I cant seem to get it to lock at all.

 

how does the lock thing work?   is it the cable twisting something in the engine bay?  or on the dash/back of dash?

 

its annoying as at the moment, when starting from cold, i have to start the car by pulling the choke out with my right hand, turn the key with my left hand (key is in middle of dash next to choke mk1) and then i have to just keep revs up till i move off and then hold the choke if i accelerate to stop it struggling.

thanks!

 

derek

 

 

[KernowCooper]

The lock feature is in the knob end of the cable where it screws into the dash either the clip has broken or the cables worn, a new cable will fix it, remember years back your mum had a clothes peg on the cable? she had the same fault.

[MiniElliott]

As above, every choke cable I have ever bought (it's a few) has never locked properly. The best solution is to use a couple of clothes pegs behind the choke knob. 

[petey81]

Every mini uses the peg ha ha

[MiniElliott]

Every mini uses the peg ha ha

Yep, I have two clothes pegs and one of those mini pegs you get for notes. Works a treat

[dklawson]

The clothes peg solution has been in use for decades and is a good workaround until you buy the new cable.  

 

As Kernow said, there is a spring clip on the back side of the cable mount at the dash.  The clip pushes a ball bearing into/against an axial v-groove machined into the metal rod the choke knob is on.  When you twist the choke knob the ball is cammed out of the metal housing and pushed against the spring clip.  The spring force of the ball pushing on the rod holds everything in place.  It is not uncommon for the clips to fatigue and break with age.  Too bad no one sells just those clips.

[Ethel]

They get broken by people pushing the choke in without twisting to release first. There is an alternative, using a Bowden cable, that works on friction. Being a Mk1, you should even be able to match the control knob

[tiger99]

Funnily enough, the choke always worked for me in about quarter of a million miles in 3 Minis, so I am not convinced that they fail all that often. But anything can break, and sometimes will, and perhaps the manufacturing quality is not what it once was, or a previous lady owner has mistreated it, by hanging a handbag on it.....

[SilverSaloon]

Thanks all - clothoes peg it is 

[jaydee]

Funnily enough, the choke always worked for me in about quarter of a million miles in 3 Minis, so I am not convinced that they fail all that often. But anything can break, and sometimes will, and perhaps the manufacturing quality is not what it once was, or a previous lady owner has mistreated it, by hanging a handbag on it.....

 

I can add to that when i had 'low mileage' minis still using the factory cable, the choke cable locked perfectly.

I think its still something to do with aftermarket parts:

i've replaced the cable in mine with a brand new cable (the carb end was fried and pretty much useless so decided to change it) and now it doesnt lock..so peg it is..

[surfblue63]

I replaced the twist type choke cable on my Traveller a few years ago and the lock is already failing.

 

Here's a picture of a Wolseley Hornet showing a peg storage solution. One peg for mild days, two for very cold days.

 

[Petro1head]

They get broken by people pushing the choke in without twisting to release first. There is an alternative, using a Bowden cable, that works on friction. Being a Mk1, you should even be able to match the control knob

Where would I get a Bowden cable please

[A-Cell]

I have had 2 cables from Minispares one worked (locked) one didn't. Definitely poor quality, seems like inadequate spring effect.