Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi there folks
Can someone please verify what size of spanner is needed to remove the dog nut at the starter handle dog, I have managed (as a novice) to remove everything down to the BIG nut so I can then go on to change the timming chain, also you may be able to advise how to stop the engine from turning while trying to undo that nut. Hope that theres someone who can help.

I am also having trouble trying to get the colour sorted its was supposed to be trafalger blue but it is much darker.
Thanks in advance Rod

See the 'spanner sizes' sticky here: http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18356

3/4 whitworth long socket

With regards to the paint, there were two different shades of trafalgar blue. Best way to get an exact match is to take a sample to a place which mixes auto paint to order.

There was a thread on this recently, and people have all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas of how to do this, but, in the absence of the correct size spanner (so I can't tell you what size to use!) I have always found that a dirty great adjustable spanner works wonders. The trick is to 'shock' the nut- whack the spanner with a hammer and chances are it will come free. I'll probably be shot down for saying this, but I found that putting the car in the highest gear (ie 4th) and pulling on the handbrake tight locked the engine sufficiently for this to work. I know people will say that puts a strain on the gearbox, but to be honest, it can't be anywhere near what the gearbox endures when the car's being driven! Of course, this method won't help you if the engine's on the bench. If so, you can wedge the flywheel with a large screwdriver to stop it turning.

I'm sure you'll get other opinions on how to do this- whichever you choose, good luck!

You'll only damage the gearbox doing that.... Just get the spanner (or stillson wrench works well) on the dog and lean it on the nearside chassis leg - lay an old blanket/jacket on top to stop it flying up, and then (Ignition OFF of course) jab the starter button. Easiest way by far!

Thanks for the great ideas,
I am out tomorrow to go and pick up a 3/4 whitworth ring spanner,it's only 64mile round trip but worth it, so hopefully by this time tomorrow i will have it sorted, and a new timing chain fitted, just the paints the next thing, god I Love this site and the folks on it, and my "Betty" is such a delight, will try bmcecosse's first sound easiest, from one jock to another.

64 miles for a ring key? Can you not beg/borrow/steal one (or a stillson wrench) locally??

I suppose i could from someone in the East midlands branch or Madmogs ( in ma best scottish) ((Dundonian))
eh well it leest ull hay mie ain, ain an it's a trip oot lol

Gaun yersel......

Rod,

The socket size is 1 5/16" AF or 3/4" BSW - either will fit. A 34mm 6-sided socket should be OK, but a 12-sided could spin round. All need to be either a deep socket, or an offset ring spanner (not certain that a 34mm ring would work as they are 12-sided). 33mm 12-point could, as in a previous thread, but I not sure if a 6-sided socket would? I have used both 1 5/16" deep socket and a 3/4" BSW ring spanner, and both work fine.

Hi Rod

Sorry did not see this post till now as I lost my internet just before christmas till today.

Did you get yourself sorted with the spanner - as I have a couple for sale - along with a few other sizes & I'm not too far away.

Rog

Hi Guys and dolls

ALL SORTED Thank you so much for all the hellp Have a Happy new year Rod