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Metro 1275 And A+998 Are They Worth Rescuing?


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#1 JonnyAlpha

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 12:41 PM

Hi;

 

OK so I have access to 3 scrap Metros that I can strip, the problem is, apart from one that is in a barn (the A+998) the other two have been sitting out in the elements for rather a long time 10+ years or more. I can have them and help to take out the engines for £200, whilst they are probably not worth £200 scrap I think I can make a profit? Damm sold my self short of a few good sales :-) 

 

My question is before I go into the detail is that is it worth paying the £200 and breaking them.

 

My understanding is that the only thing of interest on the Mini front would be the Engines complete, Carbs and the front Disks breaks (If they have them).

 

One of the 1275's is incomplete well (the head is there but has been removed, the Carb (I guess a HIF 44) is in apparently in the back of the car. and before the engine ID plate disintegrated it definitely started with a 12. The other engine is complete but again externally is in a bad state. 

 

My plan is to leave the A+998 in place and give it a quick once over before attempting to turn it over (by battery) and maybe start it before removing it.

 

I then plan to remove the other 2 x 1275s and split them to check them internally and if they are oily clean them up and maybe sell the separate parts, Engine Block, Cylinder Head, Gearbox etc unless I can get a buyer for a complete engine.

 

Am I completely mad?

 

P.S. To prove the two are 1275's without a visible engine plate what engine stamps am I looking for and where are they?



#2 alex-95

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 01:36 PM

I would say they're worth rescuing for that price. There might be some bits that the metro owners need. put a post on the metro power facebook page.

 

Measure the diameter of the bore to see if they are 1275s, should be 70.6mm if it's at standard bore.

 

I'd be interested in a complete engine ;D maybe 2. 


Edited by alex-95, 16 June 2018 - 01:38 PM.


#3 Carlos W

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 02:26 PM

Yes

#4 Will16

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 02:38 PM

For £200 I think it would be silly to not to!



#5 JonnyAlpha

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 03:00 PM

I would say they're worth rescuing for that price. There might be some bits that the metro owners need. put a post on the metro power facebook page.

 

Measure the diameter of the bore to see if they are 1275s, should be 70.6mm if it's at standard bore.

 

I'd be interested in a complete engine ;D maybe 2. 

 

Thanks Alex - i'll keep you in mind when I come to sell  :proud:

About a year ago when I was first offered these (but never had the time as I had already started another project which I am now standing in) I found the MetroPower Facebook page and had a few interested responses such as a piece out of the C Post.



#6 JonnyAlpha

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 03:01 PM

Looks like I'll do it then and i'll be buying a few gallons of PlusGas, some Deox Gel and Citrus Acid Powder :-)



#7 mab01uk

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Posted 16 June 2018 - 04:16 PM

For easy identifying the 998cc A+ block/head should be painted yellow and the 1275cc A+ block/head should be red. If you take photos it is also easy for us to identify engine size externally by the cylinder head casting shape, etc.

All A+ engines and gearboxes are now worth saving.......they are not making any more and prices are rising.


Edited by mab01uk, 16 June 2018 - 04:17 PM.


#8 mikal

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Posted 17 June 2018 - 03:53 AM

I wouldn't dismantle the engines, what's the point? If you take them to bits you run the chance of having, well, bits all over the place...



#9 surfblue

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Posted 17 June 2018 - 09:53 AM

Probably be best not to try starting it if its been sitting for so many years, oil in the sump is probably sludge and you'd do more harm than good. By all means turn it over with a socket on the crankshaft to make sure its not seized. But Id be wanting new oil in there and decent oil pressure obtained before letting it start.



#10 JonnyAlpha

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Posted 23 June 2018 - 04:33 PM

I wouldn't dismantle the engines, what's the point? If you take them to bits you run the chance of having, well, bits all over the place...

To start with, I'll get them out of the donor cars and clean up the outsides. Then soak plugs, and lots of the bolts / nuts with Gas Plus and then remove the plugs and squirt some oil in. Then after doing this see if the engines turn? If they don't turn then maybe head off?



#11 JonnyAlpha

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Posted 23 June 2018 - 04:34 PM

For easy identifying the 998cc A+ block/head should be painted yellow and the 1275cc A+ block/head should be red. If you take photos it is also easy for us to identify engine size externally by the cylinder head casting shape, etc.

All A+ engines and gearboxes are now worth saving.......they are not making any more and prices are rising.

What's the differences between the A+ and say for instance my 1982 HLE 998?



#12 mab01uk

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Posted 23 June 2018 - 08:18 PM

 

For easy identifying the 998cc A+ block/head should be painted yellow and the 1275cc A+ block/head should be red. If you take photos it is also easy for us to identify engine size externally by the cylinder head casting shape, etc.

All A+ engines and gearboxes are now worth saving.......they are not making any more and prices are rising.

What's the differences between the A+ and say for instance my 1982 HLE 998?

 

 

When the Metro came out in 1980 with the A+ the Mini changed over to A+ soon after, if your HLE has the yellow block it is A+ if black it is A.

 

Changes to make it the A-Plus

"So much revision was made of the engine in preparing it for the Metro – higher compression ratios, stiffer block, new cams and manifolds, better valve materials, and a whole heap of details starting at the air filter and ending at the crankdamper – in a £30m development and retooling programme,"

http://www.aronline....gines-a-series/


Edited by mab01uk, 23 June 2018 - 08:19 PM.


#13 mini1976

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Posted 27 June 2018 - 09:56 AM

You might also find that people are interested in the front seats to fit into their Mini's depending on the style and condition. I had metro GTA seats in my mini and they were so comfy. If the seats are any good people might also be interested in the other trim items to get the matching fabric.






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