Morris Minor Owners Club

OK so I have this traveller bought last week with no history.

1275 engine - 38G493 ER44665AD

Is it possible to identify the origin of this engine ?

Is it possible to tell - without stripping it down - if it has been converted for unleaded fuel ?

Any help appreciated.

Frank

The engine number quoted I would suggest is not original BMC/BL.
Does the side of the block have a cast in number just above the distributer?
If it does it may have originated in a Maestro as the Maestro engine 1275cc conversion was quite popular a while back.
Is the engine tag of the original type or is the number stamped into the block?
A photo of the engine would be helpful.
As regards the un-leaded fuel conversion - unless you strip the head and see if it has been fitted with exhaust valve seat inserts you will not be able to tell if the head has been converted or not.

Thanks Phil.

I suspected the latter and will investigate the former. I was just quoting engine number on the V5.

It is original BL. That is a rebuilt engine number under the factory scheme. Any traces of gold or silver paint?

I concur with JJ, 38G prefixes were BMC/BL factory reconditioned units.
If you search the web for "A series 1275 engine - 38G" you will find it a popular item on Mini Listings, not the specific 38G493 that you mentioned, but several other 38G4**

Here is a 1275cc engine with a 38G prefixed engine number stamped into the top of the block. Link below.
The 12A185 head fitted to the engine in the link is early 1275cc Cooper 'S'. As it has cam follower access covers it is not a 1275cc Midget engine.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-midget-f ... y.3855862/

Photos of the OPs engine especially the O/S and N/S of the block would be helpful.

Cooper 'S' engines converted for use in fore and aft configuration were a common occurrence way back

Here are some pics.

philthehill wrote: ↑Tue Sep 14, 2021 2:04 pm Here is a 1275cc engine with a 38G prefixed engine number stamped into the top of the block. Link below.
The 12A185 head fitted to the engine in the link is early 1275cc Cooper 'S'. As it has cam follower access covers it is not a 1275cc Midget engine.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-midget-f ... y.3855862/

Photos of the OPs engine especially the O/S and N/S of the block would be helpful.

Cooper 'S' engines converted for use in fore and aft configuration were a common occurrence way back

Thanks for your response Phil - have posted three pics. No idea if these will help.

Thank you for posting the photos.
I agree that the engine appears to be a reconditioned Morris Marina 1275cc item.
As an aside I would advise that you fit the correct alternator bracket.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114992254805 ... Sw9oVhQhcN
The set up you have has been known to break off the alternator mount lug.

AD details the size of the bores and crankshaft journals. This tells you if they are Standard or otherwise.