Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello Folks,
I am sure this has been covered many times over the years however here goes.
I am about to start rebuilding a spare 1098 engine I have, Is there a guide anywhere around to doing this and should I take this opportunity to sort out any known issues, also what is the best method for removing/reinstalling the engine. It has to go into a van. I have a crane and all the tools required. I have also rebuilt other engines just not an A series. Any advise or pointers as to where to go would be appreciated.

regards

Andrew

Easiest way to remove engine, is to remove the front panel/valance/bumper, complete with radiator, unbolt the gearbox cross member, undo the engine externals and mounts, and haul the engine and box out as one unit. The engine can be removed on it's own, but it takes longer and is more of a fiddle for clearance.

Rebuild is straight forward unless the camshaft bearings need replaceing (seldom do) as they have to be line reamed after fitting. Bore/crank ovality measurements will determine if rebore/crank grind is required.

Always fit a new oil pump, and make sure sump packing gaskets are correct length, and that sump is seated properly after fitting.

Very easy engine to rebuild (Big ends and Pistons can be done with engine in the car, as can the centre main bearing, but not the other two main ends.)

Use Payen type cylinder head gasket only.

Have fun

Do you know how much 'rebuilding' your engine needs? If it need rebore with pistons and crank grind with bearings - that's going to cost upwards of £300 plus your labour. You can probably pick up a perfectly good running 1098 for less than half that - so consider if it's worth rebuilding!

Thanks for the replys,
I am not sure how much of a rebuild the engine needs. I bought it a year and half ago to put into my pickup however that project has stalled and I now will put it into the van. The engine was bought as a runner, however I thought as it was out I might just as well strip and rebuild it. I think perhaps I will pull the head and sump off and have look.
cheers

Andrew

I think perhaps I will pull the head and sump off and have look.

Sounds a good place to start and as Moggytech has said only use a Payen or Rover head gasket as some of the others are of doubtful quality and even if the engine is sound replace the oil pump (as mentioned) as a matter of course as they are only £15-£20.

If it just needs rings and bearings - and a new timing chain! - then that will be much less, say £100 should cover it. I've not had any problems with simple £4 head gasket from Autoparts. But you may be lucky - I got a 'liittle old lady' car which had rusted to dust - but the low mileage engine is absolutely perfect. It's been my 'spare' for 6 years now.