12 replies to this topic

[roker_lad]

Been scratching my head on this one!

I've got a 1962 MK1 Mini (floor button start) which wont start. Battery has recently been replaced, and I've got power to all the other electrics (headlights etc.) but the engine doesn't turn over or click when you turn the key.

Been hunting for the solenoid as I thought this was the issue, but either I've lost the plot or its hidden away somewhere?! Is the solenoid on these early MK1's with the push button on the floor? Or am I looking for something that isn't there?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Ministrone]

I'm not sure about a 62 but my 66 has the solenoid attached to the front of the flywheel housing near the starter motor.
It's a small cylinder shaped thing with a rubber button on it.

[Ministrone]

Like this.

[roker_lad]

Hi Ministrone,

Is your 66 a floor start too? Here's a picture of my engine bay, is it visible on here?

[Ministrone]

No its a key start.
I've checked my 1964 workshop manual and it looks like you were correct, the starter switch is also the solenoid.

[roker_lad]

No its a key start.
I've checked my 1964 workshop manual and it looks like you were correct, the starter switch is also the solenoid.

Bingo, that must be where it is.

I've also just noticed the coil is actually in the incorrect place! ha, thanks alot Ministrone, will check it out this weekend.

[62S]

The starter switch is not a solenoid if you have a floor start, it is just a starter switch.

If you have a floor start the ignition switch should only turn to on, it should not turn past that. If it does it won't start the car as you don't have a solenoid!

[jagman.2003]

Having run a early MK1 for many years I can clarify some points here. The floor starter is the effectively doing what the solenoid would. The key switch on the dash only moves quarter turn to turn on the ignition. Replacement floor starters can be purchased on ebay. By pressing the floor starter button you are manually moving the switch that would normally be the electrical solenoid. Hope that makes sense.

[Ivor Badger]

Just to add to the last post. The floor starter will still work the starter without the ignition on.

[flamenco]

as the others already said, you cannot start your engine by turning the key. You only turn the key to switch on the ignition, then you press the floor button and this should start your engine and off you go!

Edited by flamenco, 22 April 2013 - 11:22 AM.

[jagman.2003]

Just to add to the last post. The floor starter will still work the starter without the ignition on.

Correct...and when your big bore exhaust gets too close to the starter terminals it will try & start it as well..! Apparently.

[roker_lad]

as the others already said, you cannot start your engine by turning the key. You only turn the key to switch on the ignition, then you press the floor button and this should start your engine and off you go!

Sorry folks, my first post was a little misleading. Your absolutely right, turning the key doesn't start the engine, the floor button does (or did!)

From the various forums I've been on it seems the starter button switch may have got clogged up with 50 years of grime or it could need replacing. Going to take a look this week, thanks alot for all your responses!

[Ivor Badger]

as the others already said, you cannot start your engine by turning the key. You only turn the key to switch on the ignition, then you press the floor button and this should start your engine and off you go!

Sorry folks, my first post was a little misleading. Your absolutely right, turning the key doesn't start the engine, the floor button does (or did!)

From the various forums I've been on it seems the starter button switch may have got clogged up with 50 years of grime or it could need replacing. Going to take a look this week, thanks alot for all your responses!

As I have already pointed out elsewhere, just unscrew the button and clean out underneath. It will take under 2 minutes. You don't even need to undo the wiring or remove the switch. In fact you don't even need tools apart from an old screw driver to dig out the dirt.