Morris Minor Owners Club

A job that I can see I need to do in the not too distant future is the front oil seal replacement but I just
wanted to check with you all first what you do if the pully is scored in any way.
Is it normal practice to just renew the pully (not cheap) or do you use a speedi sleeve instead please?

Many thanks for your time

Graham.

You do not state what size engine is fitted.
The early 'A' Series had a felt seal which in the main does not wear the rubbing surface of the pulley for the felt seal.
Later seals were rubber lip seals which can wear the rubbing surface of the pulley.
Only when you remove the pulley will you be able to determine what type of seal is fitted and if the rubbing surface for the seal is worn.
The rubbing surface can be improved by smoothing with a piece of wet and dry lubricated with WD40.
If you have the early felt seal it is better to fit the later lip seal but that means a new timing chain cover and oil thrower plate.
The early felt seal pulley can be used with the later rubber lip seal.
If the pulley rubbing surface is worn beyond redemption I would advise that you fit a damped pulley. They are usually available on 'e' bay at reasonable prices but check the condition of the rubber between the inner and outer pieces of the damped pulley. The damped pulley is good for the 'A' series as it takes out any vibrations in the crank especially on the 1098cc engine.
You can use a 'speedy sleeve' to reclaim the pulley rubbing surface without any difficulty or problems. I would advise that you Loctite the 'speedy sleeve in place.
Just smear the gaskets in general purpose grease there is no need for sealing gunge.
I would recommend that you fit a duplex timing chain set up whilst you have it all in pieces.

Many thanks for your reply Phil.
Sorry, yes, my van is a '69 with a 1098, which from the engine number is probably from an A40 and
so I'm unsure of the original build date.
When I do the job I was hoping to have all the parts ready to fit so for the cost of a speedi sleeve I
was going to buy one just in case.
I don't suppose anyone would know what size I'd need to order would they please.

Thanks again

Graham.

I do understand your desire to be organised and have all the parts you need on hand but it is vastly more likely that the front crankshaft lip seal has just worn out rather than there is a problem with the rubbing surface of the pulley. I really don't think you need to have a Speedisleeve at the ready but you do need a new lip seal and a timing chain cover gasket. It is very important to ensure the seal is centralised by inserting the pulley and hand tightening the starter dog (or pulley bolt) before fitting and tightening the timing cover fixings.

Stephen

If you do need a 'Speedy Sleeve' the shaft dia that it needs to fit over is 1 9/16".

Many thanks for both of your replies.
I shall look a little more closely at where the oil is escaping from and then
act accordingly.

Thanks again

Graham.