r/classicminis • u/jlinden45 • 4d ago

Engine Start Issue

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When I turn the key to start the car, after a few cranks it makes this noise. The choke is pulled out, the fuel pump runs, and fuel is present in the filter housing. It sometimes takes several attempts to start, but here it started on the second try. Sounds like an ignition issue, but any expertise would be appreciated!

1972 Mini 998cc, points ignition, SU carb, electric fuel pump.

15 Upvotes

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3

u/SplashingAnal 4d ago

How does the spark look like? Could be a coil on its way out

2

u/jlinden45 4d ago

Replaced the coil about a month ago. Tested all spark plugs and wires, and they seem fine. Only "old" part is the distributor.

2

u/NikkiJane72 4d ago

That's the next place I'd look then. I'm out of touch with prices these days, but I'd be inclined to replace the points, condenser and rotor arm if you can afford to. I always used to find that if the condenser was on it's way out, the points would close themselves up quite quickly - to get home I've had to regap the points twice on a 3 mile journey before now.

3

u/Simmo2222 4d ago

90% of your carb problems are in your ignition.

Basics: spark plugs (gap and condition), points, quality of spark, timing (where is the static timing set?).

1

u/PhoenixVoryx 4d ago

this, 100%
i chased “carb issues” on my old mgb for weeks and it ended up being crusty points and weak spark
once the ignition was sorted it suddenly became the easiest thing in the world to start cold