This weekend we had a nice rally in the south of the Netherlands (the only place with some “hills” ) Because of a small caravan I fitted a 1275 marina motor with no history for me. The problem is, he drinks more than his owner. Especially OIL. After just 160 miles one liter of 20W40 was gone. On the way back the same story. So the engine is in need of a rebuild. I have the following question? Can I use the 1275 pistons and rings from a Mini and are the crankshaft bearings also the same? (and oil pump ect…)
Yes - identical sizes. However later Minis have a slightly different main bearing configuration - I'm not sure if that was carried over to the Marina. basically - the shells in the caps have no oil groove in them - and they are located in the cap by a centre 'tang'. At worst - you could file a notch for this tang in the marina main bearing caps. What you must NOT attempt to do - is to swap the Mini bearings onto another block - they are line bored to the original block and cannot be swapped about. But you may do better anyway using 20W50 oil. Is it burning - or dripping ?
The engine is dry and is not leaking, he is really burning it away. Good to here that some parts are exchangeable. Is there a MM supplier who also deliver these parts?
I have found Bull Motif to be good - I assume they will export to you. I assumed from your Q that you had a Mini supplier on hand - and were going to use Mini parts. If the bores are worn - it will need a rebore to an oversize, and suitable matching oversize pistons. Be aware that removing and fitting pistons to 1275 rods is very very difficult - not usually a 'home' job.
) Because of a small caravan I fitted a 1275 marina motor with no history for me. The problem is, he drinks more than his owner. Especially OIL. After just 160 miles one liter of 20W40 was gone. On the way back the same story. So the engine is in need of a rebuild. I have the following question? Can I use the 1275 pistons and rings from a Mini and are the crankshaft bearings also the same? (and oil pump ect…)
