Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I know it's not Porsche, but a general query please.

I've rebuilt the 1990 Mini and put it back on it's wheels in the garage, but it won't start. The solenoid clicks, the starter motor doesn't turn. The battery is charged, I've even hooked the Porsche up to it to jump it, and also tried with one of those booster things.

The car has been on ramps for 19 months, do you think the motor has seized up? Do you think it will simply need removing and cleaning / freeing up?

I'm asking before I take it apart this weekend.... I've got the Dansk back box to fit on mine as well so don't want to be wasting time.

Thanks for any suggestions. And how about a 'general question' board where we can ask about anything 'not Porsche' that needs fixing, there must be loads of knowledge in the club.

Is it an inertia or a pre engaged starter?
Is it the same starter motor?

Try putting it in gear and rocking the car to turn the engine over, it could be that the starter pinion has jammed in the ring gear.

Hi John

I have done plenty of Minis in my time....

Clicking starter usual means flat battery (not if you tried jumping it)

Or stuck solenoid.....answer...CLOUT it hard with a hammer usually works....

Had another thought....how OLD is that battery ?

If its TOTALLY knackered, even a jump wont work.....put the lights, wipers, rear heated screen and anything else you can think of and see how bright the lights are.....it will give you an idea of battery condition......then do it all again while jumping from the Porsche....WITH the Porsche running for at least 10 minutes...if you test the voltage WHILE EVERYTHING is on....it should drop no more than to 10 volts....less that that is new battery time

PS...Another thought.....tow start it...if its EVER going to start...a tow will do it much easier, particularly after a long time unused...

Hope this helps

All the best Brett

It is pre-engaged, whatever that means. According to the Haynes manual all Minis from 1986 have pre-engaged ones. I've done the rocking and it hasn't helped. I'm reluctant to try to push start it, as once you're off my drive it's downhill and I don't want to be pushing it back up!

Thanks for the help so far. I have cleaned everything, re-done all earths, and finally started the Mini - but not in the normal way. Unfortunately there is still the fault. Contrary to my first post it is not the starter clicking but the relay that sends the 12v to the solenoid. The pemanent 12v from the battery is already there on one terminal, turning the ignition sends another 12v to the other terminal. I have traced the 12v from the ignition, through the relay and to the end of the wire that goes onto the second terminal, however when you connect the wire the 12v disappears and nothing happens when the ignition is turned, other than the relay clicking. If I disconnect the wire again, and stick another 12v straight to the terminal then the starter works and the car starts.

Any ideas please?

The relay should have 4 wires.

Earth - feed to starter solenoid, 12 v live and 12 volt feed when you turn the switch.

It sounds like its the relay at fault.

Top marks to Dave Doherty.

I shorted out the relay and the motor spun. Bought a new relay from Moss in Stockport, fitted it today and the car started first time. Really pleased, especially as the relay was only £3.85.

Then I went to Alderley Edge for a wander around, where I ended up with a parking ticket on the Merc from a Civil Enforcement Officer, which he told me was his proper title - rather than 'you effin w*nk*r' as I called him. Anyway, that's another story and I won't be paying the bill....