4 replies to this topic

[Getsum]

OK, I have a challenge for you mini gurus. I bought a 1982 mini but it had a 1990 cooper engine; herein lies the problem. It has a solenoid mounted to the left inner wing AND a solenoid on the starter. Now all this is wired in together and guess what, it won't start...no surprise there. I know I need to remove the wing solenoid and wire it all into the starter, problem is, Idon't know where all the wires go. Anyone have a schematic or advice? I am a competent mechanic and know wiring, I just don't know what is needed and what is not, as this is my first mini. Thanks in advance

[TURBOMIKE]

OK, I have a challenge for you mini gurus. I bought a 1982 mini but it had a 1990 cooper engine; herein lies the problem. It has a solenoid mounted to the left inner wing AND a solenoid on the starter. Now all this is wired in together and guess what, it won't start...no surprise there. I know I need to remove the wing solenoid and wire it all into the starter, problem is, Idon't know where all the wires go. Anyone have a schematic or advice? I am a competent mechanic and know wiring, I just don't know what is needed and what is not, as this is my first mini. Thanks in advance

the easiest way to sort this is to leave the solenoid mounted on the inner wing as it is,thecable that comes from this(the black one that went to the original starter) needs to be connected to the main terminal on the new starter ( the one with the nut on the end) you will need to enlarge the hole slightly, you also need to connet a wire from this to the large terminal on the starter solenoid best to use heavy duty cable like the brown alternator wires.

hope this helps

[Getsum]

OK, I have a challenge for you mini gurus. I bought a 1982 mini but it had a 1990 cooper engine; herein lies the problem. It has a solenoid mounted to the left inner wing AND a solenoid on the starter. Now all this is wired in together and guess what, it won't start...no surprise there. I know I need to remove the wing solenoid and wire it all into the starter, problem is, Idon't know where all the wires go. Anyone have a schematic or advice? I am a competent mechanic and know wiring, I just don't know what is needed and what is not, as this is my first mini. Thanks in advance

the easiest way to sort this is to leave the solenoid mounted on the inner wing as it is,thecable that comes from this(the black one that went to the original starter) needs to be connected to the main terminal on the new starter ( the one with the nut on the end) you will need to enlarge the hole slightly, you also need to connet a wire from this to the large terminal on the starter solenoid best to use heavy duty cable like the brown alternator wires.

hope this helps

Thanks, I bet that's what was tried. Is there a way to simply remove all of this to clean up the clutter? I imagine it's not needed as the starter solenoid should handle it all just fine. Again, I'm not mini expert, my mind is working of the experience of many other cars. Thanks

[Kerrin]

I have the same engine/car combination, and asked a simmilar question last year.

You should remove the solenoid and extend the battery wire to the starter motor. Make sure it is well insulated.

The existing wire feed from the ignition starter switch is not thick enough to power the new pre engaged starter, so you need to wire in a standard automotive relay using the starter wire as the switch feed. A new feed with thicker wire can power the relay and feed the starter.

There is a main feed from the solenoid to the fuse box which also needs extending to the new starter.

I hope this makes sense!

[Gizzum]

Kerrin,

What size relay do you have on there as thos starters can suck some serious amps down those wires!!!