oil pump

[AlMcL]

Hi,
Could anyone tell me if you need to remove engine inorder to change oil pump or could it be done with only gearbox removed.
Cheers Allan

[beero]

The flywheel and backplate have to come off so a lot easier with the engine out.

[bmcecosse]

As above - it 'can' be done - but you would be wise to renew all the bearing shells too (so engine out for that) if the reason for fitting the new pump is low oil pressure! In fact - it's quite likely the crank will be needing a regrind..........

[IslipMinor]

Allan,

Why do you need to change the oil pump? As a minimum you can remove the gearbox, then the flywheel and backplate with the engine still in situ, so that you can get at the oil pump. You can also replace the big-end bearings with the engine in place, but you can't replace the main bearings with it in place, so need to understand what the problem is a bit more.

Low oil pressure, knocking, both etc.??

Also what facilities do you have, as removing the gearbox and then working on the back of the engine with the car on ramps is not nice! Removing the engine is a bigger job, but then working on the engine once out is pretty straightforward.

[bmcecosse]

Removing the engine is FAR easier than removing the gearbox!

[MarkyB]

Especially when it's the engine you want to work on.

[AlMcL]

Hi,
I have the gearbox out as i am replacing it for a re-con one,reason for the oil pump is that there is a leak from around that area,only have ramps and stands no engine crane or anthing fancy like that.
Cheers
Allan

[bmcecosse]

Leak is nothing to do with oil pump! It will be the rear labyrinth seal leaking because there is pressure in the crankcase - or possibly it's the rear seal on the sump - which is easily checked/renewed.

[AlMcL]

Hi
Could you tell me what the labyrinth seal is please and is it easy to replace
Regards
Allan

[bmcecosse]

It's not really a 'seal' at all - it's just a labyrinth in the rear main housings - and a scroll on the crank that attempts to keep the oil in. Works fine as long as there is no pressure in the crankcase - but if the rings/pistons/bores are worn and fumes are getting past and the breathers can't take it away - oil pours out. Made worse too if the rear main bearing is worn and excessive oil is flooding the area...... It can't be renewed........

[Declan_Burns]

You can of course fit the oil seal conversion which is expensive and a lot of work.
http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 5443470c09
The problem with this is that the end of the crankshaft is not a machined surface. When I fitted it, I used a fine sanding belt turned inside out and a cylinder or a large sanding stone mounted in a drill to drive it while an assistant cranked the engine with the plugs out. This works and you can get the surface quite smooth with some perseverence. I have no oil leaks but the engine breathing as mentioned above is a must! Send me an email with your email address if you want with the fitting instructions for the seal conversion as a matter of interest.
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

I wish you had taken a video of that 'machining' operation Declan!