6 replies to this topic

[jbarney]

Hi all, I have a 1984 mini mayfair and today she hasnt been starting. I drove to work alright but had to jump start her in the evening.

When I turn the ignition I get a "Clunk", which I assume is the starter motor engaging, but nothing turns over. I am hoping it is a dead battery because that would be an easy fix. 

My only/main concern is that I have been driving around for the last few months with no issues. It is possible that leaving the heater on has drained the battery? (The switch was on but the heater wasnt running). I had an issues about 6 months ago which on the surface seemed the same, except it turned out that the starter motor bushes were worn so werent making a decent connection. These were then replaced and I have had no issues since. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I am going to see if I can get her started now and see if I can charge the battery a bit. Cheers in advance.

[alex-95]

Test the battery and alternator voltages, sounds like one of them. have a look at Kernowcoopers thread on how to do it. http://www.theminifo...vehicle-earths/

[eilz1999]

Check the earth leads, including the one in the engine compartment. Jump starting the car will usually determine battery fault.

[coopdog]

Yeah my battery would just die before I replaced it,
Sometimes it's just down to a cold snap and it would be flat

[Ado1379]

check your fanbelt tension?

or you could run a multimeter across the battery terminals (if you manage to get it running) 

[Mini Cheddars]

Clunk? Could be solenoid. Is yours on your starter motor or wing mounted?

[Steve220]

Cold weather destroys batteries in a very short time. Sounds like yours is on its way out. Get it jumped, take it for a long drive (15 miles or so) to charge it then try starting it again a few hours later. If its struggling then you'll need to get down to halfords to get another battery.