On the way home from the mechanics today after having the mini tuned since fitting my carbs the car stopped...............and would not go again. 18months in the shed and after 4 years of daily driving before that it could not even get me 2km.

I think two things are wrong......

1. fuel pump. The car just stopped. It is either fuel pump or something electrical.

2. when i tried to start it up again, the starter just span without engaging the flywheel. Does anyone know why that would be and what the most likely fix is?

so after another trip on the back of a tow truck (thanks RAA) the mini is still not back on the road.

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1964 Mini "850" - Thats what the boot says anyway.

This probably won't help, but:

M car's fitted with an electronic immobilizer, and when it's on, it disables the fuel pump and disengages the starter motor. You don't have an immobilizer, do you?

Will the starter turn if the engine's in gear? If not, try gently tapping it with a spanner or something - they can sometimes get stuck disengaged.

You can check the fuel pump by unplugging it from the carb, place the end of the tube in a container and switch the accessories on. If fuel comes through, it works! (I'm not sure about mechanical fuel pumps though - this works with an electric).

1. If the car started to cough and splutter before stopping, then it is most likely fuel. If it just stopped then it's most likely electrical and / or ignition.

2. The bendix on the starter motor is dirty (from clutch dust and maybe a little rust). A good clean will do the trick. Do not lubricate.

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Thanks guys.

it is not an imobiliser, it does not cough or splutter so I dont know...

what is a bendix?

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1964 Mini "850" - Thats what the boot says anyway.

the spinning thing with the gear on it that meshes with the flywheel

Rock it back and forth in gear - that can free a jammed bendix gear

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"Show me the Mini!"

nah, it just clicks and won't spin when it's jammed - mine does that once a week or so, I need to clean the spinny thing, it flicks out and stays there.... that and the ring gear is rooted

Bendix you say? I got that problem too. Although the engine isnt in the car, and has never been, once in a blue moon I like to crank it a little to get a little oil flow through the beast.(besides turning it by hand on occasion). Last time I did this, nothing but a spinning starter motor.
Problem solved!
Good thread stuart!

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Chuck Norris is the only person alive who can kick you in the back of the face!!
mooo, I'm a pig!

Get a bigger hammer Sime

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"Show me the Mini!"

I pulled my bendix out and found that the retainer washer was in about 10 bits.

so i found a place that sells new bendix's and I will get one this week.

in the mean time i stole my brothers starter motor so i could go for a drive on the weekend.

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1964 Mini "850" - Thats what the boot says anyway.