Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi can anyone tell me the procedure for removing the front engine plate from a 1968 1000cc I've got all rad out timing cover off sprockets and chain off all engine mounts loose all bolts holding front plate on and can't budge it. It's loose off the block but locked up and won't remove. Do I have to remove all the metal engine mounts ??
Many thanks

Have you removed the small plate that holds the camshaft?

Not to sure ?? But the front plate is loose from the engine

'Obviously' you need to take the weight of the engine - and dis-engage the rubber mounts -the plate just pulls off...... Have to ask - WHY are you doing this??

Roy I've already disconnected the rubber mounts , the two nuts top and one underneath. Front plates all disconnected and loose but won't come off. I'm actually finishing off the job I started last year being changing sprockets to duplex so I have to counter sink the new Allen screws which come with the kit

I suspected as much ...you can countersink the holes without removing the plate. But now you have disturbed it..... There can only be the gasket holding it! Perhaps some idiot has plastered it with ghastly gasket goo.......

I bought a colbalt counter sink about 25mm long and could not see how it could be done without removing it ,, what gasket is between plate and engine ,, is it an oil tight gasket ??

what gasket is between plate and engine

Part # 2A126

is it an oil tight gasket ??

Yes

I've now got the front engine plate off between the block and front timing cover. The plate which carries the engine mounts. There's a paper gasket between plate and block so I'm assuming it must be an oil tight gasket. Gasket looks ok but goin to replace it anyway. Couldn't get the front plate off because I didn't have the engine mount tower disconnected from chassis

Ehhh? But you told us you had the rubber mounts removed! You missed the 50s event at East Kilbride today!

Didn't know it was on Roy , what I said was I had the rubber engine mounts disconnected as in the nuts removed from both mounts but wasn't enoegh to get the front plate off. All done now but when I countersink it do I need the bolts flush and as there's now no locking tabs is locktite adequate

I read 'disconnected' as being 'not there'..... No need to disturb the towers! You do know 'Duplex' is not the best for a quiet chain - the Mini 'tensioner' set up is better.... If the paper gasket is undamaged - just use it - but NO ghastly 'gasket goo' please!! Yes - the heads need to be flush with the plate and a spot of Loctite does no harm. Make sure you get the cam timing spot on.

I've countersunk the Allen screws to about one mm proud of the plate , I'm worried that if I sink them flush there will be so little metal left at the outer part of the plate it could spilt if I tighten them to much. Do you think it's okay to leave the heads slightly proud
Thanks

NO! Some chains have a joining link which can catch on 'proud' screw heads. If worried - reduce the heads - but really best to sink them flush!

Good advice , I was going to grind the Allen screw down slightly
Thanks

If you go too far - the Allen key won't have much to grip on......