Really dumb question... positive or negatively earthed?

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

What's the major differences?
And how to tell?

I assumed my car was converted to negative earth. Theres a red cap marked positive on the battery cables, on the one that runs up to the starter solenoid.

But, in trying to get my car running again- im finding my ignition rotor turning counter clockwise. My radiator fan is turning towards the cabin windshield at the top. Which would be pushing air thru the radiator, not pulling.

Everything ive read says the ignition rotor runs clockwise.

I had just replaced the starter, as the old one was dragging badly... and i thought it was the starter wrong. But, side by side- both starters turn the same direction in a bench test.

Is my car not negatively earthed? Am i wired backwards? And would this not cause a whole lot more problems than that if i were?

I'm at a loss... or I'm just tired out from working the last three days and coming home to work on the car too.

If everything's running the right way- then at the least- my firing order is off, and my fan is on backwards! Smh...

[BAD942B]

Whether its wired positive or negative earth the starter turns the same way, turning the engine over clockwise viewed from the front or fan end.
Some Japanese manufacturers engines (and other manufacturers I presume) turn over anti clockwise

[mab01uk]

My radiator fan is turning towards the cabin windshield at the top. Which would be pushing air thru the radiator, not pulling.

The fan on a Mini blows air through/thru the radiator/inner wing and out into the wing/wheelarch/fender area.

[Spider]

Everything ive read says the ignition rotor runs clockwise.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you have read, but the Distributor turns Anti-clockwise.

Also, as the Starter Motor has wound field coils, it will always spin the same way, regardless of polarity. The only was to reverse it is to reverse the field coil connections inside it.

In case you have any doubt (last line);-

[Polarsilver]

Best way to tell if a Cooling Fan is on Backwards .. look see & ensure the rough side ( ribbed side of the plastic fan ) of Fan faces the Radiator.. Fan should run clockwise when looking from the radiator in-towards the engine.. Distributor shaft runs anticlock firing order 1342..
given your description you have negative earth .. otherwise not too sure what your problem is ? .. other than i had a odd issue with a starter motor with not normal cranking performance & semi jamming .. turned out to be unwanted Burrs on the Flywheel Ring Gear .. took a thin file & deburred each ring gear tooth & starter issue was solved.
Just a thought check that you have a 9 tooth Starter Bendix .. Minis are odd as most others have 10 teeth Bendix.
Let us know the fix & solution as it helps us all.
Just one other .. is your engine earth strap OK ?

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

Well, all i can say is thats what i get for trusting random internet searching... and not coming to you guys first.

I can't go down to the local parts store here and find a classic mini manual. Or parts for that matter.

Amazon doesn't carry them unless its for a bmw mini in the 2000's.

I've watched on ebay, but when they've come up, i haven't had the cash, and thats been rare.

So I'm learning alot thru trial and error- and from you fine folks.

I've got years of wrench turning already, and some things are just going against my... common sense knowledge on these cars. Other things are seeming to click as rather brilliant.

But-
Yep, 9 tooth pinion on the starter for pre-verto ring.

It's a high torque gear reduction single wire style.
The old starter was turning very slow, and every time a cylinder tried to fire- the bendix would kick free and out of the ring gear.

Turns out i had a leak at my fuel pump. The filter was not turned in tight, and it was sucking some air. That, a starter acting out, carbs out of adjustment, and timing needing fine tuned...

Have had me pulling hair for three days now.

Today- SHE RUNS!!
And rather... robustly, rowdy and powerful!

So, i thank you gents.
Forgive my frustration please!
But she lives for the first time in 10-12 years.

Colour me happy.

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

My radiator fan is turning towards the cabin windshield at the top. Which would be pushing air thru the radiator, not pulling.

The fan on a Mini blows air through/thru the radiator/inner wing and out into the wing/wheelarch/fender area.

This blows my mind!
Everything automotive in me tells me pull cool air thru the radiator towards the engine!

Thank you for the explanation.

[111Robin]

FYI, for future reference all of the factory workshop manuals and parts books are available on the main site

https://mk1-performance-conversions.co. ... _lists.htm

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

FYI, for future reference all of the factory workshop manuals and parts books are available on the main site

https://mk1-performance-conversions.co. ... _lists.htm

Nice! I need to log in on my pc and download them to have on hand!

Thank you!