So dad's car wasn't idling so well, so dad and I decided to check the ignition points gap. After adjusting them, dad proceeded putting it all back together. i then looked for the rotor button on the floor where I left it but it wasn't there, so I assumed dad had put it on already. He hadn't!! He put it in a 'safe place' off the floor so we wouldn't step on it. So I turned the car over, it chugged a few times then nothing, the car wont turn over anymore. I am presuming something is fried.

Has this happened to anyone else?
Any ideas?

How about trying with the rotor button fitted?

Yeah, I eventually tried with the button on but no cigar.

Did you perhaps knock the starter wire off of the solenoid when you where working around that area?

Unfortunately not. I can hear the solonoid clicking but that's it

Flat battery

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Well it could be the solenoid, or the starter motor really.

To prove the solenoid, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the solenoid posts when it clicks on. If it is zero volts, then it is fine, if it is 12 volts, then it isn't working. A simpler proof of this is to tap a spanner across the terminals, you will get some sparks and the motor will turn over.

if the solenoid is fine, and the starter motor isn't stuffed, then It might be the brushes on the starter motor not seating on the commutator properly. Put a spanner onto the square shaft on the back of the motor and turn it over about 90 degrees. It should reset the brushes and turn it over next time you try.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I reckon Starter motor has got stuck in the ring gear. You will hear solenoid click and nothing happens.

Put it in gear and rock the car back and forth by hand. This will free the starter motor from the ring gear.

If this doesn't fix it (I reckon it will)

grab a large screw-driver or something and join the two large terminals on the solenoid - bypassing it. This will tell you if the solenoid is haddit (ie if it don't turn over joining terminals you need a new solenoid)

edit-just realised Mick suggested this as well, (attaching temrinals).

Good luck

Bubba

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Thanks very much. I will have plenty to try after work today. I'll keep you posted.

Check for "Fungus" and weird growths on Battery terminals. Always start checking at the beginning of the power source and see where it stops.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Ill bet a pie on it being a flat battery

I had it where sometimes it would turn over fine and sometimes just "click".

Changed the battery, happy days.

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WD40'll fix it!
If it don't, use a big hammer!

Thanks but I gave the battery a charge afterwards and terminals are clean. I want to leave work now and try and get it fixed!

Problem solved!

Thank you all, the starter motor was stuck.

Car started as soon as we rolled it in gear, gave the starter a whack and some crc.

WooHoo I was right

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So Bubby, when you getting your pie??

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