Hi, I was trying to start my 1275 Clubman GT after fitting a different distributor and was having trouble getting it going. I rotated the distributor a fair bit as not sure of the correct timing. It was backfiring occasionally and then I heard a bang and then the engine made a different sound, like running dry. I have now fitted an oil pressure gauge and its reading 0. Its been cranked less than 60 seconds since I had the problem. I removed the spark plugs immediately for subsequent cranking and I can see the pistons and valves operating normally. I guess I need to pull and strip the motor to see the problem, but could it be the oil pump pin sheared off? Any ideas? Thanks.

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1971 Clubman GT

Does the distributor still spin around when you turn the engine over?

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Topic moved to Mini Chat

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

If it hasn't been started for a while the oil pump may have lost its prime. Remove the hose from the block to the oil cooler at the block and top up the oil gallery in the block.
Spin it over with the starter with the plugs out and see if it starts pumping oil.

What Morris said but turn the motor backwards 2 turns after pouring the oil in. Wets the whole pump.Then leave the pipe off or loose, and the coil lead out while you crank it over. When you get a solid flow of oil with no air put the pipe back on.

Edit Push backwards in 4th gear to turn it easily.

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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.