Morris Minor Owners Club

while driving in the snow again i was driving for about 20 mins and when i started to go down a hill it cut out so i parked up, eventurally got it running and it didnt like to keep going. as i put my foot on the accelerator peddle and there was a very loud knocking comin from the back of the engine. it would only get up to about 25 mph and no faster. it has always had a little tapping and that is still there what could this be and the knocking is only there when you put your foot on the accelerator peddle.
can i fix this or do i need a new engine.

thanks tom

You need an oil pressure gauge! Should be the FIRST addition to any Minor. Tjis will tell you the condition of the crankshaft/bearings. Is there enough oil in the sump ? Did it overheat/is there enough water - causing it to seize up ? Was the oil pressure warning light on - the yellow one ? Reading your post again - it actually sounds like the head gasket may have gone? Can you run a compression check on the engine? Even just turning it over on the starting handle (ign off) would tell you if it has any 'easy' pulls - with no compression!

not got an oil gauge yet im still looking for a nice smiths one, when i first got the car the oil light was on but when i changed the oil switch it went off.. also i will get a compression tester this weekend. there is oil in the sump it just above min but when i checked it a week ago it was at max so it has gone down a bit, i will fill it up before i try anything. it didnt over heat i could touch most things and there is plenty of water,

after reading the other topic my dad says it might be the points rotor arm and condensor so i am going to also change them to see if it makes a diffrence.

Since you changed the oil switch - has the light ever worked ?

yes before i change the oil pressure switch in the block.

But AFTER changing that switch - has the oil light ever worked ?

yes for about 2 weeks after i changed it,then nothin up to now.

So - i'm guessing it's now not working - not warning you that the pressure was very low - and so the engine has sadly seized!

it still turns over just wornt start so im gona try this weekend to get it goin. if not i might have to drop my 1275 in.

Sounds like the best plan!

talked to a machanic today and he said that the knockin was my camsharft, so thats why it wornt go very fast. im gona get all the parts needed for my 1275 and drop it in. can i use the dizzy cap off my 1098 on the 1275 or is it diffrent.

thanks tom

hotrodder13 wrote:talked to a machanic today and he said that the knockin was my camsharft, so thats why it wornt go very fast.

I suggest you DON'T let this mechanic build your 1275

that was a typo it was crank shaft my bad

That would make more sense - bearings gone would give you the knocking BUT it wouldn't stop the engine from running unless it had siezed or the crank had snapped maybe ??

i got it running but its very rough. sounds like its only running on two cylinders. im still goin to take it apart this weekend .

My guess will be that you will find the head gasket gone...

we will see

All these problems - and you are worrying about the dizzy cap ?????????? Goodness -they are like £1 at autojumbles - pick up some spares. The quick answer is though - that your 1275 'probably ' has a 45D dizzy - and the cap from a 25D won't fit - neither will the rotor arm - or the points - or the condenser!
Concentrate all energies on getting an oil pressure gauge - even if it's just a very basic one! It's function is to save your engine - don't worry about it's aesthetics! And - an oil pressure switch that works!
What flywheel and backplate are you planning using with the 1275 - is it an ex Spridget engine - or ex Marina ?

i dont need rotor arm i have baught an electronic ignition. and it is for 45d, and its an ex marina engine. but it has already been fitted to a minor gearbox so it should just bolt in place. just got to give it a little service before putting it in. it hasnt run in about 10 years but was dry stored. i got a new gasket set to put on it. ill have a look on ebay for a gauge and compression tester.

Make SURE you get oil pressure up before attempting to start this engine ! Spin it on the starter with plugs out. And put some oil down the bores. Just been dealing with sorry tale on Mini forum of lad who started his 'overhauled' engine - without oil pressure.