Morris Minor Owners Club

Hey guys,
Was driving yesterday and the oil filter light has started to come on, it comes on at higher revs, but is not on at idle, I'm still 40 miles from home, will I be ok to drive home with it on, I've already driven 15 miles with it.
When I get home I will change the filter straight away!
Thanks

This is a full flow filter on all but 803 engines, so if it's blocked that means no oil is getting through it... and to the bearings. Warning lights aren't meant to be ignored!!!

You could always unscrew the filter at the roadside and see if there is an obvious cause of trouble, messy I know but better than a ruined engine.

First thing is to check the oil level!

The full flow filter bypasses if too badly choked - it does this by pushing the support plate away on the spring..... Are you sure this is the oil pressure light coming on? Same one as comes on when you first switch on the Ign - should be a red light (no charge warning) and a yellow light (low oil pressure). It's more likely to be the 'blocked filter' warning light - which is also yellow......

If you read the first post I said filter light
It's on the left on a 1098 engine
The oil pressure gauge shows normal

Well indeed then - it is a blocked filter!!! Change the filter...... Frankly - it must be in a BAD way to bring the light on like that. When was it (and the oil) last changed....anytime in living memory??

Done about 9000 miles since last changed, it has been on the to do list for a while!
I can't change the oil here, so to answer my first question will driving 40 miles damage the engine?

If you have changed the oil and filter regularly - at least every 2000 miles depending on the driving - then you must think what's causing this blockage. You could split open the filter once you've removed it to see, after checking for any other possible causes ie. poor electrical connections.

If the filter is full of clag then the only answer is to drop the sump and thoroughly clean it, and also the valvetrain. Also check for clogged oilways especially in the main pipe to and from the filter.

9000 is way to much mileage for these engines....... Your oil pressure at the bearings will be down by ~ 15 psi. Will still read ok at the gauge - because it is taken off before the filter. So no - it won't be ideal, but it will be ok for 40 miles......

Done about 9000 miles since last changed, it has been on the to do list for a while!

About 6000 miles too long.

Srewth that is no way to run an old car - they need oil and filter changes every 2000-3000 miles. Your oil will have lost most of its lubricity by now, diluted by petrol and carbon and crud.

There is absolutely nothing to stop you performing an oil and filter change at home - it's the simplest of jobs.

It only costs £30 for a decent oil and filter change, yet if this is neglected the engine won't last for long.

Sorry if I'm coming across as very critical, but there is no excuse for a cavalier attitude to basic maintenance.

I changed it at the beginning of last year, so I know how to do it, just haven't got round to this years change yet
This is the catalyst for me to get round to it!

Goodo and please do it more often in future!

PS. When did you last do the gearbox and back axle? 100,000 miles ago? Hehe - just kidding!!