Morris Minor Owners Club

so its normal for e rpm to drop even when clutch is depressed?

Yes - the clutch bearing puts extra drag on the engine. Note that bearing is just a lump of graphite - it's VERY important to NOT sit with your foot on the clutch unless you absolutely have to! Pop the box in neutral, and foot off clutch at every opportunity.

am really glad that u advise me on that. Thanks! will keep that in mind

Unfortunately - modern day driving instructors actually train learners to sit in gear with foot on clutch. This may be ok in a modern car - where the release bearing is a ball type bearing - but it's absolute death for a Minor release bearing. Press the clutch only when absolutely necessary - and for the shortest time even then!

That's new to me. As you say BMC, I was taught to wait at traffic lights with foot on the clutch and car in gear ready to go. I will be taking what you said into consideration and not doing that anymore.

Well -you have seen the release bearing! It's not a long life item if you 'ride' the clutch. even without that consideration - I don't like the idea of 'sitting in gear' - all too easy for foot to slip off the clutch (sneeze/cough/mobile phone ringing (just joking!)) - and the car will be off and right into the pedestrians wandering about in front! Crazy idea to my mind. Best to sit alert and ready to select gear when the amber comes on - then off at the green as if Button at start of GP!

Definately car in neutral, hand brake on and foot off the clutch and BRAKE PEDAL.
When you have stripped out the gearbox just to replace a worn out thrust bearing you will appreciate why.
Incidentally, roller bearing thrust bearings are available for the 1098 / 1275 boxes. Mine seems to be holding up well.