Morris Minor Owners Club

I haven't had a chance to measure anything yet, but this failure was different to the previous in that it seems to be the LT side of the coil that has failed (please excuse my simplistic understanding of ignition systems!). There was no power from the coil to the points, as opposed to poor HT output...

For those of you who have unshakeable faith in the reliability of coils, I didn't share it when mine failed at 5am on Thrsday on the M69. Why didn't I have a spare one with me so I could be on my way in a flash (no pun intended)? Because 2 weeks ago I used it to replace the coil that had just failed...

Regarding the OP's post, 32 psi is a bit high for these tyres in my experience. I've just been experimenting on my saloon with a set of 4 new Nankangs, and was running them at 30 psi (which is what I run the Toyos at on the other Minor) but found the ride was too harsh. The sidewaalls on these seem ...

Unfortunately, whilst some people still get good service from FJ, tales like this crop up time and time again. After a huge increase in my premium for no apparent reason, I looked elsewhere. Despite having been with FJ and Bain Hogg before them for years, they weren't bothered in the slightest when ...

I agree, but the trouble is, a lot of cars out there have got new coils on now, and some owners may not even know... Also, it's. harder to pick up old ones now. Luckily I had a stash. I heard that many new coils have insufficient windings in them which is why they fail, even though they claim to be ...

I've had two failed coils in recent years with similar symptoms to what you describe. It's a fact of life that the modern coils are junk, even 'Lucas' branded (mine failed after just 12 months). Don't rule the coil out, especially if it's not the condensor, points etc.

You might want to stop relying quite so heavily on the brakes Matt, so you can actually stop should you ever need to

That's very interesting. You're quite right about it being the event at Fenny Compton, so the info you posted the link to is right. The engine is a Fowler, originally fromLeeds, and McLaren, the company that converted it (possibly in the 60s) was also based in Leeds. It's interesting to hear about t...

Standard 948 CR is 8.3:1. Try it with the engine warm, that could give better figures and put your mind at rest! Also try some oil down the bores as a quick way of telling whether you've got issues with rings and/or bores. That 60 thou skim will have maintained the std CR I think - it's only about a...

It was at a vintage ploughing match here, where an engine at each end of the field pulls the plough from one to the other on a huge cable. You can see a plough in the second picture.

I'm afraid to say I didn't get time to check it over thoroughly - I had to clamber on to a trailer parked next to it so I was high enough to get some decent shots but couldn't get on to the engine itself. Here's another picture showing the end of the engine that's connected to the diesel. unfortunat...

This old 1098 is serving out its retirement as a donkey engine for the 30 litre ex-marine diesel you see here on this traction engine conversion. When it's revving flat-out it just manages to turn the diesel over enough to start![frame] http://mmoc.org.uk/mbimage.php?src=1380745437_6287 [/frame][fra...

It's a shame that this argument has rather detracted from the OP's question. I'm a little confused though Ampwhu; this started out with you asking a question, but it seems that you knew the answer all along, so why did you bother asking? It's good that you're so self-assured ;-)

Ampwhu - never mind whether you buy it or not, that's how you are supposed to do it. If somebody asks for advice, it's good to give the right advice. Any engine will spin over fast when cold - that's not the reason for warming it up first. Also, of course you'll get a reading with the throttle close...

That's pretty rubbish. Was that with a warm engine and with the throttle open?

I can't remember the exact figure, but I think 140-150 psi or thereabouts would be fair.

I must be crazy. I've been commuting in my Minor over 300 miles a week, without ANY SPARES! "Crazy mad fool" I hear you shout. I am even going to drive to Gaydon tomorrow in my spares-free Minor. It is only 2 miles from my house though, so I could always push the car if I'm caught out by m...

I would be loathe to use flush if the engine is as full of muck as you say. You'll just dislodge more which will then clog everything else up... Also, I think the filter will just be bypassed if it gets totally blocked, so that shouldn't have been the cause of your bother.

It's not because we don't know any better in all cases.It's because a Bridgestone 145 (the only make available unless you want to waste your money on a Camac for nearly as much) is £70+ fitted. How would you feel about paying £280 or more for a set of tyres? People have been using 155s for years, an...

Check the points gap too - they might have closed up.

Not really normal for a 1971 car with the later baulk-ring syncromesh, but nothing to worry about either. As above, just learn to double-declutch. The 'box may well go on for years if it's just the syncromesh that's worn.