18 replies to this topic

[mordy3195]

Hi mini forum members!

 

I have a 1970 Austin Mini (1275cc) that my late father rebuilt for me.

 

I'm doing a sort out of old parts/spares and, in the garden, I have found 5 mini engines and 2 blocks (I think) that have been covered (but exposed to weather) for 20+ years.

 

I'm hoping to get advice about whether anyone would want them for spares (and what a going price is given the condition/circumstances) or whether I should just get them picked up and scrapped.

 

2 engines have numbers:

• one is a 848cc engine of a 1966 mini [8AM-U-H1013159]
• the other I think is a 998cc [99H353E-H313989]

 

3 engines with no numbers:

• one possibly a 998cc [99H353E-H15709] off a 1970 clubman estate
• one possibly a 998cc off a 1972 clubman.

 

Both blocks have numbers

• one [12HA83AA 104260] maybe off a 1275cc metro?
• the other a 998cc [99H683E-H36749] off a 1973 morris mini)

 

Would appreciate any thoughts/advice before I call in the scrap man!

 

I can post some photos but haven't worked out how to do that in this post

 

Thanks!

 

 

[MiniJosh92]

A seized, up rusty 850 or 998 is going to be of very little value, the gearboxes may be worth something though especially if there are any four synchro remote change ones. 

[Retro_10s]

Take a quick look on eBay at the prices of second hand engines at the moment and you may be surprised at what 'scrap' people are paying for. I would sell them, maybe even as a job lot.  Scrap man is the easiest option but the alternative could make you a few quid and possibly help others out. 

 

to post images,.. use an image hosting site such as Imgur, click on 'get share links', and select 'bbcode', then paste the link you're given into the reply box here :)

[mab01uk]

A-Series engines/blocks of any kind are no longer as common as they once were and new ones are not available. Rusty castings are nearly always possible to refurbish. Many people scrapped or chucked away old Cooper S blocks in the past because they were plentiful and cheap now they sell for thousands of pounds in any condition if not cracked beyond economic repair....

Edited by mab01uk, 09 August 2023 - 07:55 AM.

[Lplus]

The 12H block number refers to an MG metro block.  Depending on the state of it, that could be worth significant cash.  Check on ebay for examples.

 

If the engines can be turned over they're probably worth somewhat more than seized examples.

 

ETA any 1300 A+ block is worth selling on individually.

Edited by Lplus, 09 August 2023 - 08:25 AM.

[mordy3195]

Thanks All.

 

Definitely keen to help others with classic mini's. Have tried to post some pics via Imgur (thanks Retro_10 for the how to, hopefully it works).

 

Can put on eBay/Facebook marketplace or here (maybe a job lot advert as suggested), but need to explain what I have (I'm no mini engine guru so don't want to be misleading) and also unsure on what price to list for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by mordy3195, 09 August 2023 - 10:21 AM.

[Lplus]

The red engine with an A+ sticker is a 1275, probably ex metro. The other red engine is pre A+ and has no crankshaft damper which suggests 850 but has a mechanical pump, so I'm not sure.

 

The black 998 engine with manifold and carb is A+

 

The 2 blocks look too far gone to me, especially the oil pump end of the MG metro block, but others may think it's salvageable.

 

The two A+ engines are worth money, say £300 for the 1275 and £200 for the 998?  If they turn over even more ... but no doubt others will be along soon to disagree.

[StefanMini]

Please don't scrap them, you can probably help other people. This days there aren't much Mini engines left.

[Icey]

If you’re local, I’d take the 998 A+ for my growing collection 😄

[68+86auto]

Definitely not scrap.

[mordy3195]

Thanks very much for the helpful advice, much appreciated as a forum noobie.

 

Any easy way I can check if any of the engines turn over by hand?

 

For the metro A+ the following (circled in blue) turns freely [update 15/8 - have re-checked and this is NOT turning so I guess seized)

 

For the A+ 998 the following (circled in blue) turns (just/v. stiff)

 

Looking to list on eBay so they can hopefully find some use. Will post a link. Feel free to get in contact if interested or share with others who may be. Engines located in B30 Birmingham.

 

Might have missed, but what were thoughts on this one that doesn't have an engine number [I think I've managed to work out the others based on Lplus' advice (big thanks)].

https://i.imgur.com/WBlRSr0.jpg

Edited by mordy3195, 15 August 2023 - 12:20 PM.

[mordy3195]

The red engine with an A+ sticker is a 1275, probably ex metro. The other red engine is pre A+ and has no crankshaft damper which suggests 850 but has a mechanical pump, so I'm not sure.

 

The black 998 engine with manifold and carb is A+

 

The 2 blocks look too far gone to me, especially the oil pump end of the MG metro block, but others may think it's salvageable.

 

The two A+ engines are worth money, say £300 for the 1275 and £200 for the 998?  If they turn over even more ... but no doubt others will be along soon to disagree.

 

I think the red A+ engine might be 12HCOIAA-II375I (found a receipt for metro 1300).

[Lplus]

 

The red engine with an A+ sticker is a 1275, probably ex metro. The other red engine is pre A+ and has no crankshaft damper which suggests 850 but has a mechanical pump, so I'm not sure.

 

The black 998 engine with manifold and carb is A+

 

The 2 blocks look too far gone to me, especially the oil pump end of the MG metro block, but others may think it's salvageable.

 

The two A+ engines are worth money, say £300 for the 1275 and £200 for the 998?  If they turn over even more ... but no doubt others will be along soon to disagree.

 

I think the red A+ engine might be 12HCOIAA-II375I (found a receipt for metro 1300).

 

According to the guessworks site that number does correspond to a metro 1275.

[Lplus]

What turns on the 1275 looks to be the primary gear not the crankshaft itself, but a good thing nonetheless.  The crank is connected to the pulley at the other end so as with the 998 if that turns even stiffly it is a good sign.

[floormanager]

Got a remote gearbox on the engine with a blue circle around the crank pulley.  What's the numbers on the front of the gearbox.  If it has 333 it's worth ££££, 1128, a few £££s