Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,

What's the easiest way to remove the timing chain cover without taking the engine out or head off?

Eg how do you stop the crank from moving when undoing the nut?

I would have thought sticking it in 1st gear handbrake on would lock it up sufficiently though I have never tried it. Or you could try using an air wrench to rattle it loose.

4th Gear would be better. what about a combination spanner and a big hammer?

The method usually recommended on here (not tried it myself) is to put a ring spanner onto the bolt and lay it against the passenger side engine bay floor with a piece of wood under it, then blip the starter (with the ignition coil disconnected so it can't start).

Yes - use the starter. It's very simple - certainly no need to take head off - although rad out will give you more room to work.
DO NOT put it in gear etc - you may damage the gearbox. And there is too much 'wind-up' anyway to be effective.

And there is too much 'wind-up' anyway to be effective

Not with a big enough hammer.

Yes - there is ! The transmission winds up before it goes tight - then releases. If you must do it that way - keep it OUT of gear - and just rely on the inertia of the engine to resist that hammer blow. But of course - there isn't much room for hammer swinging - watch out for your fingers! Risk with hammer method is - slightly bent crankshaft nose. The starter method really is painless, risk free - and it WORKS.

Thanks everyone. I think I'll have a go at the starter motor method and see how I get on.

Just check there is nothing in the way - especially your fingers! If there is a locking tab fitted to the starter dog - try to knock it back before trying to release the dog. It's not easy because of where it is - and usually it comes away during the starter trick.
Remember - the engine is going to turn clockwise. Thus unscrewing the dog which will be held steady by the spanner/wrench whatever you use! It should therefore be rested on the nearside chassis leg (put a rag or two betwixt spanner and chassis) - so it doesn't fly round with the engine !