Morris Minor Owners Club

After finally getting around to stripping Mark's engine to find the oil leak (see post about slipping clutch from months and months ago), we placed the back plate on the ground and the oil pump cover just popped out.

I understand from the BL workshop manual that this cover should be soldered to the back plate, but I can see no sign of any solder.

Am I missing something, was the design changed at some point? If not, does anyone know where to go to get this kind of work done?

I don't suppose just putting a gasket in there would do the job?

Thanks once again

Ben

Hi Ben,

I've just nipped out to the garage and had a look at the three engines in there.

Kate's 1275 engine had the oil pump cover pop out, my 1098 engine sitting in there doesn't even have one any more, and the 1098 from Rebecca (RIP, 1098) has got it's one looking fairly solid.

But just to make sure I'm not being a fool... you mean here, do you not, the circular cover which is on the back plate through which the oil pump protrudes?

Feeling sleepy, so probably got it completely wrong ;)

Just pop it back in ! It's purely cosmetic - does nothing important. But since you are in there - take the pump off and check it out - if the rotors are all scored to h$!! then get a new one !

I don't suppose just putting a gasket in there would do the job?

That's ok if the gasket is not too thick, I intend to use a little silicon mastic to hold it in place

Thanks all, yes Nikki, the little round cover thing. The Manual suggests that a faulty joint can cause oil to leak into the clutch housing (which was where this all started), so I don't think it is purely cosmetic. I might try some gasket sealant, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, I don't fancy having to take the engine out again once it's back.

Ben

If you are not absolutely sure of the age of the oil pump then buy
a new one while you have it all apart. They are not too expensive and
fitting a new one to my allegedly 'rebuilt' engine had a miraculous
effect on the oil pressure. It is now glued to 60 psi at anything over
25 mph.

There should be no oil at the back of the pump to leak out the little cover - but seal it in if it makes you happy ! Definitely inspect the oil pump !! And this is a good time to fit a better camshaft too !