Morris Minor Tourer

Grant’s Minor needs some fresh fuel pump contacts

1965 MORRIS MINOR TOURER

Aproblem caused by the Moggie’s long-term winter rest has returned; it’s something I should have dealt with before, but when the short-term fix just requires a swift ‘whack’ with a screwdriver it gets put off. I am referring to its sticking fuel pump (or more precisely the points inside). While many owners are choosing an electronic option, some of the early SU models aren’t suitable; so rather than taking a chance, a quick call to ESM Minors in Sussex (01580 200203) resulted in a new set of points for just £10.74.

Care should be taken removing the fuel lines; use two spanners at all times, with one to secure the pump while the second releases the pipe. My pump looks ancient and could well be an original item. It bears little resemblance to later versions and is running on single contacts. ESM supplied double contacts, which at first caused some anxious moments before I realised they are interchangeable on the SU; they are considered more efficient and likely to last longer.

Which type to choose turned out to be the least of my problems. Removing the rusted pivot pin that secures them took some thought. I resorted to a small socket, a punch with ( gentle) hammer to release and once cleaned up it was ready to be used again. Don’t forget to count the amount of turns required when removing the old contacts, as the same amount is needed to secure the new version. The gap can be checked with standard feeler gauges as you would set distributor points, but for fuel pumps a slight bend of the top section of the contacts will widen the gap to achieve the recommended three ‘thou’. Before refitting, the alloy base was polished and the body received several coats of satin black paint. The road test consisted of a 20-mile round trip to my first show of the season at Selsey Golf Club, organised by Manhood Classics. It also offered a chance for the effort to be inspected by a very knowledgeable enthusiast, Les Payne. He runs the club and enjoyed a Minor van for many years. The verdict was ‘tidy job, not bad for a novice’. And it must work well, because I got home without the 948cc motor missing a beat.

OWNED SINCE January 2013 MILEAGE SINCE LAST REPORT 20 TOTAL MILEAGE 61,126 LATEST COSTS £10.74

Having hibernated during winter, Grant’s Tourer is now looking forward to summer.

Show time, and if Les Payne from Manhood Classics gives it the thumbs up, then all is good.

Pivot pin removal was a delicate operation concluded with a soft hammer blow.

Polished, painted and all working; a twohour job that is certainly worth the effort.