looking for help re morris minor mechanics

[Jax]

I know this is not garden related and no-one may know but I figure its wort a try.

We have a morris minor 1000 saloon, and engine wise its been great until now. Went to start it yesterday and everytime the brake pedal is used the car cuts out. It doesnt have a brake servo, so we know its not that. Checked the usual bits to check. Tried speaking to a morris specialist and they were rude and unhelpful "his time was too valuable to give advice over the phone". Anyone have any ideas? Hubby has been making great progress for him to be off the road.

[Nicos]

Have a fiddle around on Google...I did find this....

Car stalls when the brakes are pressed? | Car Tuning Information

[Jax]

Thanks Nicos, am googling like crazy. Have found a few threads but they are newer cars with a servo so no joy so far. Finding more specialists as we speak, fingers crossed

[Jax]

Found a company in devon and spoken to them, suggested something and it worked. Downside is that as a consequence of whatever he has done we have no lights so thats the next thing.

[bishop]

sounds like a bad earth, check the earth on you rear lights,

[Jax]

thanks bishop, its to do with some sort of bolt switch thing in the engine. It needs to be replaced as far as I understand. He unplugged it and the brakes work fine and then the lights dont work he then plugged it back in and the lights work and the brake doesnt. Does that make anysense? I have a basic understanding of engines but this is like another language to me.

[PAULW]

Moggie minor owners club should find some help here.

Morris Minor Owners Club •

[geoff]

Can't help with your brakes/stalling/lights problem myself, but last time I read Practical Classics magazine they had a problem solving phone line. Even if they no longer do it, there should be enough Moggie specialists advertising for you to find a more helpful one; also the owners clubs, they are usually very helpful

A friend has had a few Moggie Thousands, and he says there is a part of the front suspension (trunnions?) that need greasing regularly and religiously or the front wheels will seize and fall off, so make enquiries about that, too

[Snadger]

thanks bishop, its to do with some sort of bolt switch thing in the engine. It needs to be replaced as far as I understand. He unplugged it and the brakes work fine and then the lights dont work he then plugged it back in and the lights work and the brake doesnt. Does that make anysense? I have a basic understanding of engines but this is like another language to me.

I always thought I had a good understanding of old engines.........but haven't a clue what this bolt switch thing in the engine is! The only thing I can think of is that when you apply the brake the brake lights will come on making a circuit. The brake lights coming on must be taking power away from the ignition system in some way? It surely has to be an electrical fault for the engine to cut out as the fuel pump is mechanically driven methinks?

[rana]

Some older cars had earth straps attached to somewhere like the engine stabilizer bolt. This bolt (or bar) allows the engine to have restricted but not excessive movement. If the earth strap has perished or the bolt/bar has corroded then the completion of the electric circuit through to earth (which is the car bodywork) can be interfered with. This can give rise to all manner of symptoms including the engine failing to run.

[Jax]

I dunno guys, Ill take a pic of this thingy later. As far as I understand it is an electrical fault. I think its to do with when you put your foot on the brake it engages the brake lights and there is a short (or something) in that system that is causing it to cut out.

[bishop]

I dunno guys, Ill take a pic of this thingy later. As far as I understand it is an electrical fault. I think its to do with when you put your foot on the brake it engages the brake lights and there is a short (or something) in that system that is causing it to cut out.


yep the current is going to ground, rear light cluster has a bad earth, The screws that hold this to the body are the earth, they will be corroded, run a wire from one of these screws to a new good earth, eg the bolts that hold the boot in place, as snadger said its electrical, would love to know what this bolt thingy is,