Morris Minor Owners Club

Does anyone know of a reliable engine mechanic in the East Midlands?
I would like to have my 948cc engine rebuilt/re-ringed to stop the trail of blue smoke. A local engine replacement firm, wants me to remove the engine, and take it to them for re-building. They cant tell me how much it would cost until its stripped down, but said it would be a few hundreds. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ken Gilbert

Just source another 948 - plenty on ebay - swap them over and then take your own to bits yourself. It's not difficult - in fact - it's dead easy!

Until the engine is stripped and checked it is not possible to know how many parts will be needed, whether the crank will need regrinding, or a rebore will be necessary therefore a new set of pistons.
The very least you will need is a new set of main and big end shells, most likely a rebore, pistons and rings and a new oil pump. Also a top end overhaul, decoke and new gaskets. If the engine is out then it is usually worth fitting a new clutch assembly. Add on the labour charges for machine work and re assembly and you are definately in for a few hundred.
You might consider an exchange engine from a reliable source

Hi Ken,
Have you seen this on e-bay???? the price is + VAT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-948c ... 3ca658f377
Good hutting
Brian.

Hmm - what a ghastly shade of green! That would warn me off right away. Then - they say 948 engine - and the picture is of a 948, and then in the blurb it's suddenly become a 1098 ! No mention of a NEW oil pump either - which is absolutely essential! Has to be said though - that is pretty much the cost a re-con engine. You can save maybe £100 if you DIY it.

Thanks Folks
Yes, I did see the Ebay item, and the colour is awful. I was hoping to take the complete car and leave whilst the engine is rebuilt, but all the advice Ive had, seems to point to me removing the engine myself.
I expected a few hundreds, so that did`nt come as a suprise. I,m not very mechanically minded, and I bought the car in VGC, the work having been done by the previous owner. I intend to keep restoring it, with the intention of passing it on to my grandaughter at some future date

AARRGGHH! my eyes .
He's also got a 1098:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-1098 ... 3ca675e02d
The colour isn't as nasty but far from right.
I'd think it would pay him to get a bigger palette of colours.

Ah, the famous "luminescent blue seal" engine - far rarer than gold seal... !?