803 engine - how long do they run?

[liammonty]

I've heard it faired better in the A30, because it's a bit lighter. Was it 'swifter' than in the Minor?!

[bmcecosse]

According to a Road Test I found - the A30 would do 67 mph and took 42 seconds for 0 - 60. Of course it was hampered by the dreadful down draft carb. The Ser II Minor with the 803 engine was 'good' for 62 mph and 50 seconds to 60 mph - even with the benefit of the SU carb. Weight (and frontal area) matters!

[dellerie]

I've heard it faired better in the A30, because it's a bit lighter. Was it 'swifter' than in the Minor?!

if you get rid of the zenith carb and fit a 1.25 SU, (no bigger) then you kind of get the balance right on the A30. it has no problem with sitting at 55mph. the downside is if you have passengers or any weight and you need to go up any sort of hill....... it's as good as a chocolate fireguard. the minor i didn't drive with the 803, so cannot say

[bmcecosse]

The Minor only had the H1 SU - 1 1/8" throat...... The A30 beats the Minor hands down anyway (according to those tests) it was also slightly lower geared due to only running 13" wheels - the SU would however be a benefit - either the H1 or even better the H2.

[MarkyB]

The computer will likely say 'SERVICE' after one year - no matter how clear the oil

Nope, I've had it over 2 years and it only just wanted to be serviced.
I do very little stop start driving in it and it isn't a Citroen.

[bmcecosse]

You are lucky! All the cars I have been involved with have automatically signaled a Service requirement (spanner symbol) on the annual date - a money grabbing scam of course.......

[David53]

Poor little 803...nobody loves it..

Originally designed for the A30 it came across to Morris as part of the BMC merger and in the heavier Minor it was not ideal. Main problem is not really the engine but the accompanying gearbox which, coupled to the origjnal MM diff and 14 inch wheels produced gear ratios which are pretty awful - 3rd too high for steep hills and 4th too low.

Having said all that I find driving my 53 early Series II quite relaxing. Pottering along at 40-45 mph and knowing I never have to worry about getting stuck behind anything is very peaceful. I avoid motorways and stick to back roads, enjoying 1950's motoring at its best!

[Neil MG]

Poor little 803...nobody loves it..

Originally designed for the A30 it came across to Morris as part if the BMC merger and in the heavier Minor it was not ideal. Main problem is not really the engine but the accompanying gearbox which, coupled to the origjnal MM diff and 14 inch wheels produced gear ratios which are pretty awful - 3rd too high for steep hills and 4th too low.

Having said all that I find driving my 53 early Series II quite relaxing. Pottering along at 40-45 mph and knowing I never have to worry about getting stuck behind anything is very peaceful. I avoid motorways and stick to back roads, enjoying 1950's motoring at its best!

Agree absolutely!

[orb596]

I had an old friend who bought his Series II second hand in 1956 and drove it daily until his death over 50 years later. That car managed 180000 miles on its original 803 engine and box. The engine only had a rebuild then because he had to take the gearbox out for a major overhaul.
The car was fastidiously maintained though right down to the fact that it never saw a welding torch in all those years and all the body panels were completely rust free as well.
So, if you look after the 803 engine whose to say how long it can keep going for.

[MikeNash]

JowetJavelin (ah! you lucky man!)
If you google "by-pass filters" you'll find they've made a comeback, using very fine filters to catch bits only a few microns across. They're used in association with full flow filters, of course, but these only go down to 20-30 microns across. I wonder if such fine by-pass filters are available in 803 cc engine sizes. But even if not, if you couple any system with modern magnetic oil filters (google that too) you'll have the best system you can. I've had a "Filtermag" (see http://www.firstfour.co.uk/products/per ... /filtermag ) fitted for some years and thoroughly recommend the idea. Also consider fitting a small cheap magnet into the sump drainplug; you'll be delighted to see the small crown of bits stuck there rather than wandering about in your lubricant. Try them in the gearbox and backaxle too! (The latter needs a "solid" plug to do it, but they're easily available and v cheap from plumbers' stores.)
Regards, MikeN.

[mike.perry]

David, the original Series 2s were fitted with the MM diff but it was 5.375:1 not the 4.55:1 of the MM

[David53]

Thanks Mike - Gee you learn something new every day! I always just assumed the ratio was the same. Mine just back from rebuild. Needed to source a second rear axle to get a new crown wheel so now have spare half shafts, brake drums, backplanes etc. Springs have also been reset so can't wait to put it all back together!

[Dean]

Thanks Mike - Gee you learn something new every day! I always just assumed the ratio was the same. Mine just back from rebuild. Needed to source a second rear axle to get a new crown wheel so now have spare half shafts, brake drums, backplanes etc. Springs have also been reset so can't wait to put it all back together!

Hi David, I'd contact Bryan Gosling of club spares fame, he may even have some contacts you could try in your country.

[mike.perry]

The diff ratio is stamped on the L/H axle tube near the diff and facing forward, 9/37, 8/43 etc. You may need to clean the area to find it

[David53]

Interesting. My original axle tube is stamped 4.5. The second one which was purchased to get the parts from is too corroded to see clearly. So it appears my car had an MM diff with a 4.5 ratio. Judging by everything else on the car it's a fair bet that this axle was original equipment. But if so, the ratio is wrong. Pretty sure the parts used to rebuild were from an MM Diff, in which case it will still be a 4.5.

[mike.perry]

What is your speedo TPM? 1600=MM 4.55, 1000=S2 5.375

[David53]

Speedo is 1000. So why do I have a 4.5 diff? Presumably replaced at some point with the wrong ratio. Seems strange though as this car has not had a hard life. Very strange....But I guess the lower ratio is better anyway as the little 803 won't be pushed as hard when cruising as with the 5.3.

[mike.perry]

Is it an MPH speedo?

[David53]

Yes why?

[mike.perry]

The TPMs apply to MPH speedos, I have not researched KPH speedos yet. With a 4.55 diff and 1000 tpm speedo the readings would be miles out.