Morris Minor Owners Club

I HAVE A 1968 CONVERTIBLE IN SPAIN AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE OIL PRESSURE.ALWAYS AND AFTER A LONGISH RUN I GET THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BLINKING WHEN IDLING BUT GOES OFF THE MOMENT I BLIP THE ACCELERATOR.CAN IT BE THE OIL PUMP?.IF SO CAN I RENEW IT WITH ENGINE IN PLACE OR WOULD I NEED TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT.BY THE WAY I AM USING 20-50 OIL.

It might just be the oil pressure light switch I had one play up recently, thats the easiest thing to try 1st over hear they are around £7:00 or 10 Euros and a mini one will fit as well.

I used to have the same problem with a Mini. The cause was a cheap grade oil that was breaking down. I changed to a more expensive brand and it cured the problem. Also is your tickover set too low?? that can cause the problem too.

In answer to your question, yes the engine does have to be removed to change the pump as it is situated at the back of the engine.

Sometimes this can happen on a high mileage engine - especially if you use a cheap oil. Firstly make sure you are using as very good oil.

When you start the car in the morning, does the oil pressure warninglight stay on for one or two seconds (or even longer)?
If yes, then you should check the rocker shaft for wear and also the big end bearings.
It is possible that the pump is ok, but you are getting a loss of pressure due to a high rate of oil leakage.

You can change the rocker shaft and the big end bearings with the engine in the car...
If you also do the timing chain, this can make a high mileage engine sound like a nearly new one ;-)

CAN I RENEW IT WITH ENGINE IN PLACE OR WOULD I NEED TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT

For changinging the oil pump you need to remove the engine.