spotting the difference

[les]

I would be pleased for any help in identifying the outward appearance of an Ital engine from that of a marina, I'm told that apart from the very old marina engine, they look the same. I should be looking at some to-morrow. Also any knowledge of internal changes? Thanx.

[Cam]

Both engines have their oil filter upturned and towards the rear of the engine. The A+ version has a fork holding the distributer in whereas the A series version has the usual (Minor style) pinch bolt.

Mostly the A series was fitted to the Marina and the A+ to the Ital but I understand there was a changeover period.

The Ital also had a plate going from the bottom of the sump rearwards with two bolt holes in it.

The Marina timing cover is shaped more or less like the Minor one (except the timing marks are near the top). The Ital one has more of an irregular shape but the timing marks are near the top the same as the Marina.

[les]

Thanks Cam, I bought one today. Looks like it's an ital then, I've removed the head and checked the cylinders (std) So far it looks like an untampered unit. No backplate or flywheel though, I presume I need a minor backplate and Ital flywheel, also the front plate from a minor to line up with the engine mountings? There seems to be a few items like this to deal with.

[Cam]

Les, it depends what you are mating it to. If it's a Minor gearbox then you will need a modified Minor flywheel (available from most Moggy centres). You will need a Minor front plate.

Not sure about the back plate as I got a custom one for mounting to a Ford 'box. I would imagine a standard Minor one will do the trick, but offer one up and see.

[Kevin]

The rear engine plate does need modifying if retaining the standard gearbox, but again these are available ready modified or new if you go to http://www.morris-minor.co.uk/ and look in the Owen Burton section all prices are shown.

[les]

Thanx guys, I might have further questions!!