not in my case

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Pretty odd it would find its way to the back of the starter motor after all that. Quite a journey! The oil looks emulsified too, there's water in that oil, probably from engine washing.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Hi everyone just a quick update. The engine is running at close to 100psi oil pressure constantly including at idle. I have been recommended an adjustable oil pressure valve to bring it down to 70psi. I am in the process of sourcing one so I'll let you know how this goes once I get it installed.

Thanks for the update.

Isn't 60 psi the spec.?

A small pile of washers is cheaper and less obvious.... I think I used gearbox drain plug washers... (they've been there a long time). Once you get the setup right there's no further need for adjustment so an adjustable setup is a bit of a waste.

Cheers, Ian

Good tip Ian. How many washers and did you have to adjust or cut back the spring?

Cooper S spring is stronger than the standard one.
New S spring and plunger gives more pressure than the original 70 psi.
I would cut 2mm off it. Preferable to using a stack of fibre washers.

If using the original 60 psi non S spring, some 5mm steel washers can be put inside the cap.

Mine runs 90psi cold 75 hot, with a 13 row cooler.
Using Gulf Western 20W50.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Me again. Thanks to everyone for their advice. I have an adjustable oil pressure relief valve coming this Friday so I will let you all know how it goes.

Doc, is there a way to know what sort of spring I have?

I was also wondering what people recommend in running an engine in? I had a new cam (evo2 from Minispares) and followers put in so the mechanic suggested to run that in with the engine sitting at about 2500rpm for 15-20 minutes. It has hardly been run since it going back together due to the leak so I am keen to know what people recommend to run it in properly. After all the money I spent on it I don't want to see it busted for a long time yet! If you need any other info please let me know.

Start it and drive it ASAP. Keep rpm below 3500 but make it work up some hills in 4th gear to bed the rings in.

Don't sit there at 2000 rpm in neutral with no load, it can glaze the rings.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I think that sitting at 2500 for 15-20 minutes is mad. You will glaze the bore as Doc has said. I tried it once and will never do it again.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

I remember whenever I helped my Dad refit a reconditioned motor he always made sure the car was ready to take straight out for a drive after the first startup as suggested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

Thought I'd provide an update. I changed over the relief valve with an adjustable one but could only get it down to 75psi. Is this still too high? It's still leaking from the starter motor holes and has a decent drip from the hole at the bottom where the pin is in the transfer housing. Unless I should cut the spring back a bit more and get the PSI down more I am starting to think the oil pressure is not the issue. I welcome any more ideas...

75psi is fine. Cooper S had 70-75 hot.
If it had a normal spring it would be around 60.

I reckon you have the clutch oil seal leaking, again or still.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Are you still using a break in oil? Maybe worth changing to a better oil? I recently had an oil leak as per Simon diagnosed, through the primary gear bush ( not seal) and it was in a similar fashion (hard to pick its source). A combination of better oil and better breathing may assist. Cheers Darryl