Morris Minor Owners Club

Having removed my engine, a 1969 1098cc unit, I notice a bracket on the back plate for the clutch return spring. I cannot see this in any of the parts books or parts diagrams that I have. Out of interest only, do other owner's engines have this fitted?

Stephen

The spring on my van is hooked directly through the engine plate. No bracket.

Found this picture, courtesy of someone.

A non standard part probably added to try and reduce the pressure required to depress the clutch after fitting an incorrect spring, or to fit a spring that is too short. The correct spring attaches to a small hole in the edge of the backplate. It has been known for some parts suppliers to ship the wrong spring.

OK, so it is not a standard part. Presumably, this bracket is mounted in the hole in the front plate that the return spring should directly attach to? The spring is rather new and it is the correct spring (from ESM) so I suppose I could remove the bracket as it no longer serves any purpose.

Stephen

Looks like a bracket from botch it and scarper repair shop
Mine had no spring when purchased, replacement from ESM direct onto backplate as suggested.

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Thu Jan 02, 2025 3:22 pm Looks like a bracket from botch it and scarper repair shop
Mine had no spring when purchased, replacement from ESM direct onto backplate as suggested.

It may actually be a throttle return spring bracket repurposed!

Stephen

There's no end to the ingenuity of some people's 'upgrades' and modifications!

Can't be wrong if it works

It is indeed a throttle return spring bracket. Removed but kept as may come in useful one day!

Stephen

While engine is out hope you replace starter ring gear it looking a little tired

SEROWMANMICHAEL wrote: ↑Fri Jan 03, 2025 9:22 pm While engine is out hope you replace starter ring gear it looking a little tired

Yes definitely. The engine is going to be completely rebuilt and not by me but by a professional classic car engine specialist. It will come back better than it was when it was new. The bit of the ring gear you are seeing in the photo is the bit that gets constantly worn because the engine tends to always stop in the same place. Therefore one section of the ring gear gets worn. One solution is to remove and rotate the ring gear so that another section gets used.

Stephen

I’m surprised you say that serow, the lead in shows the normal wear. The business side of the teeth are good. I’d better say that’s just my opinion

Bill_qaz wrote: ↑Thu Jan 02, 2025 6:53 pm Can't be wrong if it works

Indeed. I am considering upgrading my starter pull switch for easier operation........