Morris Minor Owners Club

one of my chassis legs appears to have oil in it? sort of thin oil, almost like its got water in it. i dont know where it came from but was wondering if it is okay to drill a small hole in the bottom of the chassis leg to allow any water that gets in to get out?

if its the drivers side its highly probable thats its brake fluid,check the level and condition of the master cylinder as a matter of urgency, when they are leaking thats exactly where the fluid goes.

The chassis leg usually has a drain hole in it not far from the master cylinder, its possible that this has been welded over or is just blocked with old underseal.. Its a sort of half round that sticks down from the flat of the chassis.

I would just probe the existing holes.......and I agree - sounds like brake fluid..........

No, it's the other chassis leg!

Doh......

Passenger one should still have a drain hole in it as well![frame][/frame] You can just about see the arrow Ive put on this pic to show were it should be

I don't see the point of a drain hole in the chassis leg unless the hole is at the lowest point, in which case where's that? How can water get in to need to get out? (Through a drain hole maybe?) If any water did get in it will no doubt be trapped by all the crud inside before seeking that elusive hole!

Would you suggest sealing them then?
If only air can get out it will still help get rid of any water.

Ah, yes, it does have those holes, one on each side - half way up.. odd for drain holes.

Well of course it's a personal view, I try to eliminate all possible water entry points regarding the box sections, then liberally coat with waxoyl. When there's already a hole I fill it with a grommet. There was a time when drain holes had a type of deflector built in which made water entry via the hole virtually impossible, now it's, hey lets just drill a hole!
Holes half way up will at least stop water from rising any further than that!

The large holes in the engine tie-plates are a good entry point for water - especially if there are some puddles around........ The drain holes are essential - if nothing else will allow some air flow to dry out the moisture. Waxoyl is essential of course.

Hmm there might be subtle dfferences between saloon chassis legs and lcv chassis, where the latter has a top plate so is virtually sealed.

There are several holes in the chassis legs at the tieplates on my car. Pumped in waxoyl and then fitted sealing plugs........

wer they rust holes

mine does not have those by the tieplates, and never been replaced still original ones

No idea what the holes are for - but a few each side - and no - not rust - you cheeky monkey......