12 replies to this topic

[zbc]

Hi all, I dont really have a problem as such but a question about the 12V series 1275 engines.

Today I stumbled on a 1275 block that is in vertical configuration.

The thing that really sticks out about the block is the oil filter that screws directly into the block up near the cylinder head.

The block is in very good condition. Can anyone tell me if I am able to use this block on a mini gearbox and if anyone knows what its from, I am thinking a morris or maybe a sprite or miget.

I found the head for it as well but cant recall the number stamped on it. Definetly a 1275 head though.

If needed I will post up a picture when I can get one.

Thanks in advance.

[IainR]

An in-line engine from a midget / sprite /minor / marina will not fit on a mini gearbox, something to do witrh the transfer gears / crank.

Late mini engines had the oil filter fixed into the block at a right angle, rather than suspended from a housing.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Has it got a hole for the distributor?

[zbc]

Thanks for the replys.

I will still be taking the motor as I need a complete head/valves/rocker setup for a 1275 I already have.

I will let you know though if it has a hole for the dizzy.

[zbc]

heres a picture of it



If I change the crankshaft I could use it for a rebuild, i think.

Edited by zbc, 27 March 2010 - 12:36 AM.

[Dan]

Your description of the oil filter made me think it was a Meastro engine but they were A+ units I believe and having seen the photo this is an A series . There are various minor problems with using the block but I think they can be resolved. I believe Guessworks has built Meastro engines onto Mini gearboxes. You need to use a short oil filter or it hits the bonnet I seem to remember. You're right that you can't use the crank though.

[Guess-Works.com]

Maestro engines are easy ( infact there are no 'real' modifications necessary ) and make for very strong blocks..

However, I believe the inline ( midget, marina etc ) engines do need a modification to the flywheel end main cap. it may also be worth checking the diameter of the oil feed hole from the sump as this will be threaded, the maestro block is ok, but this may have a larger hole which the O ring will not seal on to.

[zbc]

Awesome, I will pul the sump off and take a look. Will also post any thing I find out about the oil feed.

Thanks very much for the help.

[Dan]

Will also post any thing I find out about the oil feed.

It'll be a threaded bore in the block that the pickup pipe screws into, as Guessworks says the important point is that the flat outer area around the thread must be of a decent size for the O ring in the Mini gearbox to seal against and it must be in exactly the right place.

[dklawson]

You guys keep mentioning Marina engines. Your Marina's had A-series engines? Ours (U.S.) all came with B-series engines.

So... what DID the engine in the picture above come from? I had heard of the Maestro engines before but as soon as I saw the picture above and noticed the alternator bracket type I figured this had to be an A-series not A+.

[Cooperman]

There were 1.3 Marinas fitted with A-series and 1.8 Marinas with the B-series.
They were all 'orrible anyway.

[Brigbeale]

There were 1.3 Marinas fitted with A-series and 1.8 Marinas with the B-series.
They were all 'orrible anyway.

Didn't they come with a piano on the roof (Top Gear style!!)

[zbc]

Someone told me it came from a morris ital after checking the engine number.

According to wikipedia they were voted 2nd worst british made car of all time.