Morris Minor Owners Club

Afternoon all,

I'm replacing the sump gasket and cork seal, cos they've started weeping a bit of oil, and it's been years since the sump was last cleaned out.

I got a new sump gasket set from a MM supplier, and the new cork seals are a different size and cross section to the old ones. I have an old gasket kit, but one of the cork seals is missing. Comparing the old to the new, the dimensions are:-

Old New
8.5x6x141mm 10.5x5x156.5mm

As you can see, the old one is a squarer cross section. When I fitted the new ones they don't fit the curve smoothly, they stand proud by about 1cm and they are not wide enough to fit firmly in the channel.

What do I do? I could cut the new ones down but they would still be wrong in one plane. I've just checked on the website, and it's definitely the right kit for my car (1969 1098cc).

cheers,
Neil

Soak the new gasket in water which swells it up. Push fit into the grooves either end and secure it in place with a little grease. Then, trim the gasket either end so that about 1/4" stands proud of the sump. When you fix it all back together the seal will "squash" into place to fill the apperture - I've always done it this way and never had a leak but I'm sure others will be along with their own tips and methods soon.... Just remember not to overtighten the sump bolts - about 20 - 25 lb/ft is enough.....

Aye - the gasket will mould to fit.

I had the same problem and could not get the rear cork seal to stop leaking after several attempts. I eventually fitted the MG synthetic rubber seal from the Spridget 1275 cc which has to be trimmed down as it is slightly oversize but then fits perfectly. I used a high temperature resistant silicon sealer all round and let it cure before starting the engine. It has never leaked since.
Declan

(DEC 1964H-Formerly HMP 960 B)

Well, we had an 80 mile run today, from Bristol via a pub near Stonehouse where we met up with Andrew and Suzanne Easton, and Jack, for lunch, then in the two Minors via the A48 to the Severn Bridge & home. The car has been in the garage now for 4 hrs and so far there is not a drop of oil on the clean piece of cardboard under the engine, and the oil is up at the top level on the dipstick.

Time will tell if the cork gaskets contract as they dry out, but so far looks like a good job done. I'm pleased.

I used a bit of grease on the bearing seals and Hylomar blue on the main flange gasket-always use a smear of it on gaskets.

Course, the good thing about a car that leaks a little bit of oil is at least you know it's actually got some in there!!

Thanks all for the advice.

cheers,
Neil