18 replies to this topic

[pusb]

I've today picked up my 1979 Mini 850. After adjusting to the completely different driving style, I really enjoyed driving him. However a few issues become apparent after I picked it up which I wonder if anyone can offer advice with?

 

First of all, the heated rear screen doesn't work. I haven't had chance to check if there is any current at the screen, but I did notice the switch was warm (not ridiculously hot, just warm to touch). Where on the circuit does the heated screen normally fail?

 

Secondly, the temperature knob for the heater doesn't seem to do anything. It seemed like it was stuck, until I gave it a good pull and then it come right out, but still didn't do anything. What's likely to have gone wrong here?

 

Thirdly the brake test switch doesn't seem to light up when I push it (my least concern to be honest), but if anyone has suggestions then I'd like to hear them.

 

Next, I think there might be a slight water leak in each corner of the windscreen, doesn't seem to be major though as there is no rust immediately under it. obviously though I want it fixed before it causes rust, but will that mean taking out the whole window seal?

 

Next issue was water on the rear wheel arch padding ( the bit just above the bins). It looked like condensation as it was evenly spread all over the upholstery rather than if it had dripped onto it. Should this be a concern for me? 

 

Light behind speedo seemed to momentarily flicker (just for a short period), along with the HB blue light. Likely to have been a loose connection somewhere? 

 

Also the Oil Pressure read around 70-75 under acceleration, and between 45-55 on idle (on a 71k mileage), does this sound ok?

 

Not being a Mini owner before, it also sounded a little fast/loud on idle with the choke fully in. It seems like the last bit of the choke makes no difference. Is this just how Mini's are?

 

Only other issue was the wiper park switch doesn't work, but after reading these forums I was expecting that!

 

Don't want this to make it sound a basket case though, the body seems very solid, and the engine feels smooth and responsive (about as responsive as a 35 year old 850 engine can be!). Drove back about 40 miles today on the motorway in a biblical rainstorm, the engine didn't miss a beat. Just touched 70 mph in it, sounded like it was going to explode at that point but I guess that is just the 850?!

[Carlos W]

Welcome to TMF

 

The heater cable should attach to a tap on the head!

 

Open the bonnet and see if pushing the heater knob in and out moves the tap!

 

The brake test switch is likely to be a bulb. It should fail its MOT without this working, but more importantly, if it doesn't light up it wont warn you when the fluid is low so check it regularly!

[Jase]

Welcome to Mini ownership, sounds like the standard problems, nothing to worry about.

 

I hope you emjoy your car.

[tarris850]

Yay, another 79 850!

As for the oil pressure, mine has done about 15k more miles sounds very similar.

[jt19]

Typical mini by the sounds of it :) welcome to mini ownership lol :)

[Remylebleu]

condensation is a common problem, so will ice on the inside of the windscreen haha the heaters are pretty poor, id take it out and take it apart and clean it, will work lots better, the cable to the heat was either not done up tight enough, or is seized on the engine, should free up with some greese and elbow greese, 

 

if you haven't already, get a haynes manual, will help you out a lot

 

and lastly, you've come to the right place for help!

[bpirie1000]

Check the screen at the connector... Also look at the elements any visual flatness will be the issue...

Screen water leak..... Really have to take the screen out and seal again.. Check insurance they may cover it... Also many back street window fitters like a mini and will seal it for biscuits.....

Water in rear bins.... Try leaving a tray of cat litter under rear seat.. Should absorb the damp air in the car.... Also look at the rear seals... 79 if it's original seals they are doing well...

Check alternator/dynamo connections for the flickers lights... Could be a dodger connector..


Best buy a Haynes bible... And get reading...

And I love a good 850 they are the best engines....

[CityEPete]

The heater cable often buckles up instead of pushing the lever back away into the hot position, if you remove the cable and lubricate it with some 3 in one oil then move the heater tap lever back and forth to make sure its free. Push the control knob fully in and set the lever nearest you as you look at the engine bay before pinching the bolt up, it should then be in the hot position with the knob pushed home but if you pull it out you will get cold, trouble is when you push it back sometimes you will need to actually pull the lever at the engine end again to get hot back! Lots of mini owners will leave it on hot and open a window instead, lol

[invisible_kid]

I wish my list was like that when I picked mine up and mine is a 96 lol think you got a better deal than me

[robminibcy]

another 79 owner

are you sure the window is broken, they are not very efficient! Mine takes 5 mins before any heater lines start to appear! The most common faliure is probably the thin wires on the glass itself. If you check for 12v at the connections that will tell you whether its a wiring fault or the window. Warm switch is normal, its just the bulb inside.

 

the oil pressure is spot on, the brake tester may need a new bulb which can be got from minispares. But be careful as they can be brittle, I ended up having to buy a new heated window switch as a result of shattering it trying to change the bulb! I don't think,they are expensive though even if you do break it.

 

the rear bins could be condensation but check for leaks round the side windows especially if you have opening rear windows.

[surfblue]

 

Just touched 70 mph in it, sounded like it was going to explode at that point but I guess that is just the 850?!

Ha ha, down hill on the motorway I once just touched 70 in mine  , not something I plan to repeat, soooooo much happier at 55!

[pusb]

Thanks for the info guys.

Just checked my rear screen, and I'm getting -3 volts at it.

Is that too low?

[robminibcy]

yes. Check the contacts on the back of the switch and on the plug

[CityEPete]

Hang on, if thats across the terminal you could just have a poor earth, test it again but make a flying lead to take the negative probe to a good clean earth. One should read 0v the other then 12v or possibly a bit more.

[pusb]

Hang on, if thats across the terminal you could just have a poor earth, test it again but make a flying lead to take the negative probe to a good clean earth. One should read 0v the other then 12v or possibly a bit more.

 

Yes that was just at each plug on either side of the window.

 

I will try and test it as you say. Where would constitute a good clean earth?