Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Everybody
Started Morris LCV with 1098 engine today, drove short distance and it was overheating; got home and exhaust started belching white smoke. Is there any other probable cause except for blown head gasket? Is this engine prone to head gasket issues? Any input welcome. Thanks -- Nick

depends on how it has been treated.

Howlong have you had it. When was the coolent last changed and flushed thouroughly.

Head gaskets do go, I wouldn't say they are prone to problems but then I'm biased .
The quality of some head gaskets is suspect.
Copper sandwich with rolled edges are the best type to go for.
It is certainly the problem with your car.

Hi Nick as said above says they are not known for problems but while you have it apart its a good idea to check that everthing is nice and flat and get a good quality gasket, I see from your signature that you have a rivergate conversion was it worth the money as they are not exactly cheap.

If it has lost water - then yes it's certainly blown the gasket! Not at all a 'common' problem - as long as the gasket was fitted correctly - and the head/block are not warped or otherwise damaged.

I pulled the head and on first look, I have built up residue on the surface of head combustion area of #1, damage to the top edge of a piston (area about 1/8 square missing at very edge of piston crown - melted?) exposing a little bit of the top ring. Indication of water infiltration into combustion area by looking at condition of head gasket. Bores all look good with no ridge.
Do you replace individual pistons or as a set of four?
Bye for now

You can indeed just replace one piston if you wish - but you should considerr the condition of the whole engine. The damage may have been caused by 'detonation'. Was the engine 'pinking' ?