Morris Minor Owners Club

HI
We're having an oil leak problem. One that's continuous and steady from her dip stick - any ideas?
Thanks
Steve and Liz

Check crankcase ventilation system isn't blocked. If that's ok it sounds like compression blow back past the pistons forcing oil up the dipstick tube. Do a compression test as well.

You would appear to have a problem with your engine breathing system.
do you have the type which has a rubber tube from the rocker box to the Air Filter or a pipe which feeds into the actual CARB.? Or, worst of all, do you have a mushroom shaped assembly on the inlet manifold
with a spring clip on top?

Piston blow-bye is throwing the oil out past the dipstick - it should have a little seal on the stop washer ? When engine is hot and idling - take the oil filler cap off. If there is an obvious plume of fume - then there's the problem. As a temporary 'fix' it is possible to connect a breather diectly to the inlet manifold via a 1/8" diameter restrictor so the engine breathes it's own fumes - but the real answer is to either overhaul that engine - or swap it for a good one!

Hi
Thanks for the responses - we're still investigating all possibilities.
Just a question:
If there was a 'blow-bye' could this occur without the plug(s) being fouled?
All the plugs remain in good condition and the right colour.
Thanks
Steve and Liz

Yes - could be - just pressure in the crankcase with fumes going past the piston rings.

Hi
Excuse our ignorance but where would the pressure in the crankcase come from?

From pressure in the cylinders leaking past the piston rings.

Yep - gases can blown down past the rings if they are 'stuck' or worn. This causes oil to leak from just about everywhere on the engine - but usually also forces oil back up the bores leading to a v smokey engine. Simple test - hot engine at idle - take off oil filler cap. Plume of fume/smoke reveals all.

mmmm... no plume or smoke

Excellent -your engine is in fair health. Check the little felt waher is on the dipstick.