Morris Minor Owners Club

PAULJ wrote: I think you said you have several

I did, and I have, but sadly they're over 100 miles away now - all are the same, AFAIR. As I said to you, I've not needed to move the hole, but have run without the cover with no problems - don't recall seeing any fume vent around there either, but I've been very dim before now too

Well - there is a small hole below the oil pump into the inner depths of the block! So - if there is any fume pressure in the block it will vent back up into the pump cavity. Glad to hear you didn't need to move the hole Andrew!

I think i will use the original and weld the crack. I have fitted a new pump and its not that as the old plate fits. The hole in the old plate has not been moved, it would show on the rebate and the hole would not be round without a lot of work. The reason I didn't want to weld it in the first place was because of hardening and warping.

Glad to hear you didn't need to move the hole Andrew!

That's because he removed the cover!

But the cover is only a very thin pressing - so if that's all that stops it - just file a little bit off the pump where it interferes!
Using the 'old' backplate -is it a 1275 Ital backplate - if so it's quite a bit larger and the starter is not in the right place for use with a 1098 flywheel - and if using a 1275 Ital flywheel I think there is a problem with clearance between the chassis legs.

But the cover is only a very thin pressing -

Maybe, but there's clearance between it and the pump, making the cover somewhat bigger diameter than the pump.
I'm getting a headache now! Lets call it a day!

My original plate is moggy, Ill try and get some photos on here to show you over the weekend

Ok sorted, the problem is the oil pump mount at the 10 o'clock position. File a half moon crescent out of the pump hole where the mount fouls. Cut the cover flange twice, either side of the half moon cut out. Fit the tin cover and beat a dent in to the half moon cut out and it fits. You will need to now file the flange down where it extends the recess (This will make sense when you do it) A bit of sealant and all done. It takes about half an hour. Hope this helps any one else having the same problem

I notice ESM sell two pattern oil pumps. The cheap one "May Need Modification To Fit" whereas for another £8.45 + VAT they will sell you one that is already modified and "Fits Properly!" I bought the cheap one figuring I might need to do a bit of filing on the body, but it fit just fine first time. The only thing I had to do was fettle the tab washer a bit.

But - was that on a 1275 engine Alex ? I feel it makes no odds - it's simply that the later pumps are slightly bulkier and may need some 'modification' - which your experience seems to confirm!

The marina and Ital pumps are different. The Marina pump is mounted with four bolts and locking tabs. It also has a drive gear whereas the Ital one has a slot drive and only two mounts. Doing what I said earlier seems to sort it. What I cant understand is where my original back plate came from as it mirrors the minor one except the pump hole is in a different location. Only by 3-4 mm ??

There are many different oil pumps- from the different manufacurers. Some are better at pumping oil than others. The pump drive is to suit the dirrent camshaft tails - the 'gear' drive is only used on 1275 engines - and note that little 'spider' in the drive is unobtainable now, although new pumps are. The spade drive is the later version - and comes in 'long' tail for 1275 engines (and all S engines) and in a short version suitable for 948/997/998/1098 engines, with the matching cam of course. Holes may need to be drilled and tapped -depnding on the pump maker.

as it mirrors the minor one except the pump hole is in a different location. Only by 3-4 mm ??

Do you think it could be the owen burton backplate? This has the hole moved about 5mm for the pump position.

Well, that would make sense if someone is making them. Who are owen burton ? If it was custom made for this the oil pump is first class but the crank hole that is also bigger looks like a dog chewed it.

Owen burton used to do mods for the 1275 conversions, not sure what the state of play is now with them. Their backplates have a larger appeture around the mains a bigger oil pump hole, and according to their literature 'radially displaced by about 5mm' there is also a question about the starter motor position requiring the block to be trimmed slighty. I think the only way to find the answer to these issues is to work through them as they present themselves, you'll soon find out what needs doing!

They may well have modified the original Marina backplate - it can be cut down and redrilled to suit Minor bellhousing - but the starter mount will need some patching and rewelding to get it in the right place. Out of interest I may try this to see exactly what's involved although I think a Minor backplate and file a wee bit off the oil pump is very much simpler!

I don't think what I have is a modified anything. Anyway I have done what I described earlier and it fits fine now cover as well.
Thanks to all who replied