Morris Minor Owners Club

Just wondering the consensus about using the L shaped brackets to lift and install the engine. I used to do it many times ( in the 70's ) without a second thought but my maturer self doesnt feel right to put bending loads on them or stress on the rocker cover bolts.
I'm in favour of straps underneath to lift with, eg old seat belts. Anybody ever had downside with the L brackets ??

Thanks
John

I have these L brackets, and like you have used them in the past, there is a Vee shaped bar that hooks into them, which I think to some extent reduces any tendency to distort the cover bolts but I agree, the thought does cross one’s mind.
However I think it has been the accepted way of lifting the engine, don’t know about with gearbox attached though!
The bracket and bar maybe BMC accessories ?

I recently installed the engine (without gearbox) using the standard BMC lifting brackets. It all seemed very solid. I did use a load leveller which really helps to tilt the engine backwards. When using the brackets don't forget the rubber washers 2KA568 in the rocker cover to avoid damaging the paint. Also note there is a correct orientation of the brackets with respect to the curves in the rocker cover and radiused edge to the bracket.

Stephen

Have you got any information on your lifting gear Stephen, looks a good piece of equipment!

John
You are quite right to be concerned about the strain being placed upon the rocker shaft studs when basic lifting equipment is being used..
It has been common place for some time to use the lifting eyes with a chain attached to both eyes which pulls the lifting eyes towards each other and which puts a strain on the stud and the threads in the head holding the stud.
The correct way to remove a 'A' Series engine and/or a 'A' Series engine with gearbox attached is to use a tool similar to that shown in BMC wksp manual Fig. AA19. Using the tool reduces the risk of stud deformation as the load is placed as near vertical as possible.
That tool to my knowledge is no longer available but the levelling bar as shown in Stephens photo is as near to the BMC tool specification as you can get.
The tool shown in Fig. AA19 can be turned so as to get the centre of balance correct if only a engine is being lifted. The tool also has 'spurs' to keep it in place and that is why the lifting eyes are slotted.

I made this lifting bar at work. I have used it on many minor motors with and without the gearbox.

les wrote: ↑Wed Jun 25, 2025 6:08 pm Have you got any information on your lifting gear Stephen, looks a good piece of equipment!

I brought what looks like the same as Stephen's levelling bar from Fleabay 4 years ago. Cost me £23.59.
Identical looking ones on Fleabay now from £20.
Engine Leveller Crane Hoist Chain Load Garage Lift Loading Balancer 2000LB 900KG
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297216479080

Useful having the adjustable tilt, I easily took the engine out with the front panel still in place.

les wrote: ↑Wed Jun 25, 2025 6:08 pm Have you got any information on your lifting gear Stephen, looks a good piece of equipment!

The load leveller is made by "Liftmaster". The engine crane is "Switzer" and rated 1 ton. I bought the load leveller but another forum member very kindly gave me the engine crane.

Stephen

Thanks to you both for your posts, re engine lift.