Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,

As well as my door lock troubles I pulled up yesterday after running my minor van a short distance and there was a nice puddle of engine oil on the drive (nothing further over night however). The puddle was in the area under the rear of the engine where it joins the g box housing (but not from the drain plug)

Does this sound like the rear crank seal? And if so are there any MMOC articles on replacing this? Ie can this be done with the engine in situ and say the g box dropped?

Any advice welcome

mine leaks even after a repair Just keep topping it up

There is no rear oil seal. Instead there is an achcimedes screw thread and as the crank revolves it winds the oil back into the sump - in theory. Small oil leaks are common. Excessive oil leaks tend to indicate very worn parts. If the oil is dripping off the ssmp then it may be the gasket there, but another source of leak is from the hole at the bottom of the bell housing (the one with a slit pin in it). This oil could originate form either the back of the engine or the front of the gearbox. Check all of the engine for signs of leaks - the oil could be coming from the rocker cover and simply running down the back of the engine.

If it is the rear of the crank that is leaking then it is an engine out and major work to replace the crank, main bearings, and rear cap; checking what else is worn at the same time.

Don't despair, the other much less expensive possibility is that the crankcase ventilation needs some improvement.
The pipe from the rocker cover to the air filter must be gunk free.
Otherwise the breather needs to go into the manifold though a restriction, this will reduce the crankcase pressure big time.

As above -sort out the breathing. However if the engine is badly worn. it will need an overhaul to stop it leaking.

Thanks guys, I think!