16 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

What doesn’t make sense:
Engine plate number is missing, unsure how to do if it’s a cooper S block
Some plates missing on the rear bulkhead
Slam plate diagonal support besides the oil cooler not present

Did all cooper S had twin tanks?
 

 

As said Engine plate number is often missing especially after any machining work or reconditioning/replacements of the engine over the years.

 

What plates are missing on the rear bulkhead? Twin tank breather pipe metal tabs?

 

On a Mini of that age the front panel has often been replaced due to accident damage or rust...rarely was the correct type with a diagonal brace fitted in the past...until the recent trend for factory originalty on high value restored Cooper S.

 

See the above link in previous post for when twin tanks were optional and later became a standard factory fit on Cooper S.

Edited by mab01uk, 09 August 2024 - 03:22 PM.

[Spider]

What doesn’t make sense:
Engine plate number is missing, unsure how to do if it’s a cooper S block

 

There's several ways to ID a Cooper S Block and frankly, if it did have an engine plate fitted, that alone would not be enough for me. Check the Flywheel end of the block where the engine steady is, there should be only one Freeze Plug here. Take some Verniers with you, the Freeze Plugs (they are all the same size) are 1-5/8" on the OD. When measuring, be sure you are measuring to the bore size in the block and not just the ID of the Plug.

There should be tappet covers on the back of the block and there should be no provision for a mechanical fuel pump, ie, no hole at all. Don't confuse this with a bolted on blanking plate though.

There's other distinguishable things of a Cooper S Block, but these probably the easiest. The Freeze Plug size in particular as these were a unique size to the Cooper S Blocks.