1.7 O series engine

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JamesF
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1.7 O series engine

Post by JamesF » Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:51 pm

A few of you might remember the blue marina mk3 that was on eBay a few months ago which I ended up buying in a moment of silliness! We got it home to find the engine Siezed.

The head was removed yesterday to find number two cylinder red rusty and full of water. The head gasket looked fine. The complete engine is now out of the car, the rust looks like it's going to clean off ok and the rest of the engine is on remarkable condition. There's hardly a mark on the big end shells or crank. It's clean in the sump, the sump itself is like new and it must have had a clutch fitted shortly before being parked up as the clutch is like brand new.

I'm told the chassis and sills are solid and apart from a couple of soft spots the floor pans are very good. The headlamp panels need a bit of work but the engine bay is completely rot free.

We are going to have the head pt'd, unleaded valve seats fitted and probably the head skimmed.

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ClaytonSpeed
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Re: 1.7 O series engine

Post by ClaytonSpeed » Fri Mar 18, 2016 9:14 pm

Excellent stuff! Good to hear it is getting the restoration it deserves! Keep us updated with pictures and if you want it in the next OC Magazine email: editor@morrismarina.org.uk
'73 MG Marina Turbo Saloon - Back on the road with T16 turbo power
'72 TC Coupe' 'SLK' - 1950cc - Asleep - possible retirement project E.T.A 2049

JamesF
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Re: 1.7 O series engine

Post by JamesF » Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:48 pm

I will , I'll email you some pictures as I get them.

If very much like to have it in the magazine. I'll keep you all updated.

We are very surprised at the overall condition of the car for it's age.

david painter
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Re: 1.7 O series engine

Post by david painter » Sat Mar 19, 2016 9:08 am

There been a brand new boxed O series engine on ebay for a while for not much money. Valve seats are very hard as standard in O series engine as they are made from stellite so should be suitable for unleaded
Dave

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locost_bryan
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Re: 1.7 O series engine

Post by locost_bryan » Mon Mar 21, 2016 11:36 pm

david painter wrote:There been a brand new boxed O series engine on ebay for a while for not much money. Valve seats are very hard as standard in O series engine as they are made from stellite so should be suitable for unleaded
Was that because it was intended to be used in the MGB for the US market?
Bryan
Auckland NZ

1972 Morris Marina 1750 TC Coupe "Ozzy"

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Kilroy
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Re: 1.7 O series engine

Post by Kilroy » Tue Mar 22, 2016 3:30 am

Important thing with O series engines - make sure the cylinder head stud holes in the block are totally clean.

They get oil down them which prevents the studs from tightening down properly, so the gasket leaks.

Ask me how I know...!

I no longer retighten these heads after replacing the head gasket - it most often leads to this problem.

Great engine though.

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