Morris Minor Owners Club

So I adjusted the tappets today. I think they were all 12 thou, so changed the exhaust to 15 thou. I wasn't sure which were inlets and which where outlets, but I guessed it went, outlet inlet inlet outlet outlet inlet inlet outlet? Is this true?

The rattling is still going. I note that the fan is wobbling from side to side and seems to be mounted eccentrically. In general, the fan belt pulleys seem to have a fair about of wobble, especially the fan. Is this normal? When I hand crank it, the fan wings are closer to the radiator on the left than the right.

Correct with the inlet/outlet. And so much for the 'estates' opinion.... The fan may simply be bent - gently square it up (but have a close look to see if it's cracking...... But is it wobbling - ie the water pump bearings going - usually accompanied by a trail of water of course. I still say - do a trial run with the belt off!!!!!

Thanks I'll try starting it tomorrow without the fan belt, since the sound is now audible stationery too.

ps can I check for play by wobbling the fan from side to side with the belt removed? It's closer to the front of the car/radiator on the side of the alternator, while I'd expect the opposite if the bearing was going.

I think squaring the fan might have solved it. Will confirm with a longer ride tomorrow. Thanks.

I was unable to remove the fan belt. With the alternator on it's slackest setting, there wasn't enough clearance. I assume I'd have to take the whole alternator off to do this?

There was a smell of coolant on the engine, but I think this is coming from the (drainage?) pipe on the right hand side, and not from near the bearing.

ps the bolt and adjuster are all rusted. Will this need replacing?

The belt should slip off over the pulley. Any rusted bolt/adjuster needs attention.......... But if it's fixed - leave well alone !

I guess the belt is too short then? The alternator is only a quarter of the way on the adjuster. The garage charged a fair bit for alternator replacement but didn't suggest any other replacements.

I guess it's fine - as long as it drives the alternator. It will soon stretch out slightly . You paid a 'garage ' to fit an alternator ??? So did they bend the fan ? If you smell coolant - check the little bypass hose........

This was the first bill from a garage in my life, after I'd fitted the battery myself. I could barely label anything under the bonnet. The bill was twice as much as I'd anticipated and led me to try and avoid paying a garage again.

Always ask 'how much' at a 'garage' before they do the work......

You can test the water pump bearing without taking the belt off just get hold of the fan blades and waggle them and watch the pully,it should NOT move at all,if it does try tightening the four small studs that hold the pully onto the pump just incase they are loose.Check carefully re water smell,keep an eye on the radiator level,DON'T let it overheat,and any leaks however slight MUST be investigated.