Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi
Just lately 'Poppy' has been giving off an unneccesary smell when put under strain e.g. going up hill or travelling at over 50 mile per hour on the flat. It definitely comes from the engine bayand the smell dissipates when the strain is reduced.
Any ideas?

Thanks
Liz

Yes, you probably have a slipping clutch. You should notice that when you
accelerate up a slope the revs rise without any increase in speed? First check
that you have free play at the clutch pedal,( an inch and a quarter on the late
er model). Could also be a binding brake but you would be able to feel the
offending item as the wheel would be extremely hot!

Hi Liz,

Can you describe the smell???

Nikki

There is a very bad joke just waiting to appear with that title

If it's engine oil smell - then the engine is getting near the end. You can re-route the breather(s) into the carb inlet so the engine breathes it's own oily breath - so to speak. But if that is the smell source - it does rather mean an engine re-build sooner than later.

I am desperately hoping it's not an engine re-build! Poppy is my one and only transport so having her off the road for any major length of time is not a good idea.
I don't think it's the clutch - there appears to be no slipping.
All servicable parts are checked regularly so if it's the engine I hope she behaves herself until the school holidays when there will be a bit more time to have her looked at more thoroughly.

Thanks for the advice,

Liz

Hi Liz - where are you based? perhaps someone local to you on here could have a quick look?

Nikki

I'm based in Scarborough.

I have a friend, Steve, who does all the 'routine stuff' on her but pretends to be too old to manage the more 'heavy duty' work. I have used the local mini garage for MOT work.

Liz

Poppet, why not source a replacement engine, recondition it then "poppet" in
that way, the car is only off the road for a weekend