Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) +4 won't start

I've a 1997 + 4 4-seater. Was starting just fine but now when I turn the main breaker on and turn the ignition key I get all the symptoms of a flat battery despite my charger/conditioner telling me the battery is fully charged. I've put a meter across the battery and get 12.87V. When I turn the ignition key this does not drop at all (which I would have thought it would if the battery was no good).

The fuel pump pressurises the system in the usual way.

HELP!!

Check the battery connections first including the earth lead connection to the chassis.

Check the breaker switch if it's the 'big red key' type ... I've had these fail before ... if you have access, jumper across the big terminals on the back ... if not, use a jump lead to bypass it.

K

Head lights on and try a start, if the headlights don't dim and as you say the battery is good suspect starter motor or contacts to it or at it. you don't say if the engine turns over when trying to start?

Hi Brian,

Did you engage the starter or merely turn the ignition key?

The first sign of a bad battery is exactly the symptoms you have. Try your test with load on the battery..(aka the starter engaged and turning).
Batteries, used or not, are not good for long regardless of what manufacturers or forums say. especially when they sustain LONG storage
periods rather than used every day.

Another possibility is the lack of a good earth. I find that the MMC preference for the super cheap braided battery earth straps is unwise an
invitable experince like yours. Their strands break/rust and can cause a HIDDEN issue that is not easy to ascertain at a glance.
https://www.gomog.com/starter.htm#CHECKING That one can drive one nuts!! Buy a decent ground strap from Halfords or Amazon

As for the battery itself (if needed), ignore "performant batteries". and safe your self money. I too believed that nonsense for years. What you
need is the properly dimensioned battery you can find anywhere on a Sunday (when most people use their Morgans most). Why lose
your Morgan outing? Each battery has international dimensions identified by a code. Read yours off the existing battery or take your
measurements and consult here.

Good luck.

gmg

Another suggestion to suspect the battery switch. You simply don't need one on your car. Just put battery on smart charger for 24 hours every month if not in use.

If you must have a battery switch use a proper BEP marine one which has a twisting contact action.

My go to first check - relays.
Bud
4/4 - Stanley

Battery cut off was the cause on my 97 +4