Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all, this is my first ever message/ inquiry!
I'm in the process of fitting a reconditioned engine but I can't find any advice on how to start it up for the first time and to carry out the running in process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. (It's a 1098cc)
Regards Alan

Welcome

Make sure that you add the oil before you start! Fill the filter before fitting so that there is less lag before the oil is fully circulating. Some people remove the oil pressure relief valve and pour oil down the hole (refit the valve afterwards!).

Take the spark plugs out, put a small amount of oil in each bore. Turn the engine by hand, slowly at first, and then build up speed (using the handle) to circulate the oil.

Now you can replace the plugs and start the engine. Take it gently, do not rev it fiercely. Once it has reached operating temperature, re-torque the head as per the manual - two strong schools of thought on here about whether to do it hot or after it has cooled, and that's a debate that will run and run.

Now to driving...
Never make the engine labour, slow down and change down a gear. Limit the revs by keeping to 10 mph for each gear maximum, so no more than 40 mph for first 200 miles. Then build up gradually until 60 mph in 4th at 500 miles. Change the oil and then drive normally, but still gently, and change oil again at 1,500 miles.

Enjoy it.

I would add, after turning it over with the handle, leave the plugs out and spin it on the starter until the oil light goes out, this can take a while, then plugs in and start.

Indeed - if the oil light doesn't go out - DO NOT start the engine ! Who reconditioned the engine ?? I would retorque the head after the first heat cycle - but it doesn't need to be completely cold.

Thanks for the advice. It all seems very logical. It was reconned by Ivor Searle's.

you will have years of good running then , one of the best firms