Morris Minor Owners Club

Had the cylinder head off today as she blew a core plug on the way to the sadmog christmas bash.

As she had conked out within a mile of teh core plug flying out (going down the M3 at 65mph ) I guessed at least a head gasket was required along with all the new core plugs.

Anyhoo after popping the head off this greeted me.



And looking at the head



All the water channels seem crusty and blocked. there was a definate break in the gasket between 2 cylinders so that is probably what stopped me (luckily as till I stopped I hadn't guessed the bang was a core plug).

Also seems like the 1100 has very (6mm ish) dished pistons? and a quite deep head pocket?

Any way now need to belt the new core plugs in and clean up th e head and block prior to reassembly.

Might take a few days as I will clean up and grind the valves in Or might even pop a 940 head on instead

I would take them all out and replace them.

Clean out the water ways with pipe cleaning brushes

It may just be the photo but is no3 cylinder bore ok?

Had a quick look and the front face of No 4 is the same. Not sure but this is the point where the cylinder head gasket gave out and I wonder if water has stripped the glaze off the cylinder. It feels slightly rough on the surface but not scored.

1 and 2 are fine and the other areas of 3 and 4 are fine. I don't think its a broken ring but its not overlly pretty whatever it is.

I've knocked the other 2 core plugs and have cleaned up to replace them all.( blue paper was stuffed in so I could keep dirt out the dipstick hole and the dizzy hole)

It could be alloy from the pistons if it overheated. I would recommend removing the pistons to check they're ok .( Any closer pictures)

I'd aggree with the above - although it's only from a small digital photo it dopes look like you've got piston alloy melted onto the bore.

I had a total water loss and conked out at 75mph on M1 fast lane, but that engine survived with only a major service! The engine had got so hot that it stopped running and the oil was burning, leaving a big cloud of smoke behind me.
The smoke cloud did at least warn the other drivers to keep out of the way whilst I headed for the hard shoulder.

Err - it looks like the engine has well seized ! It's going to need more than just a new head gasket. Pull the pistons for inspection - and meantime - start looking for another engine!

Funnily enough the picture looks significantly worse than the actual engine turns ,feels and looks in the flesh.

I will have another look in the light but too be fair its not turning bad and I might see if Mogwai can pop by and have a look. ;)

I have got a replacment engine but its a complete unknown and would need a total strip down and check over.

It will be a better bet than this one! Pull the pistons to see how they and the rings look.

paulk wrote: I might see if Mogwai can pop by and have a look. ;)

I could pop over sometime tomorrow if needed
Give me a call