1275 Engine ID

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frankiepuss
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1275 Engine ID

Post by frankiepuss »

OK so I have this traveller bought last week with no history.

1275 engine - 38G493 ER44665AD

Is it possible to identify the origin of this engine ?

Is it possible to tell - without stripping it down - if it has been converted for unleaded fuel ?

Any help appreciated.

Frank
philthehill
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by philthehill »

The engine number quoted I would suggest is not original BMC/BL.
Does the side of the block have a cast in number just above the distributer?
If it does it may have originated in a Maestro as the Maestro engine 1275cc conversion was quite popular a while back.
Is the engine tag of the original type or is the number stamped into the block?
A photo of the engine would be helpful.
As regards the un-leaded fuel conversion - unless you strip the head and see if it has been fitted with exhaust valve seat inserts you will not be able to tell if the head has been converted or not.

frankiepuss
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by frankiepuss »

Thanks Phil.

I suspected the latter and will investigate the former. I was just quoting engine number on the V5.
JOWETTJAVELIN
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

It is original BL. That is a rebuilt engine number under the factory scheme. Any traces of gold or silver paint?
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geoberni
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by geoberni »

I concur with JJ, 38G prefixes were BMC/BL factory reconditioned units.
If you search the web for "A series 1275 engine - 38G" you will find it a popular item on Mini Listings, not the specific 38G493 that you mentioned, but several other 38G4**
Basil the 1955 series II

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philthehill
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by philthehill »

Here is a 1275cc engine with a 38G prefixed engine number stamped into the top of the block. Link below.
The 12A185 head fitted to the engine in the link is early 1275cc Cooper 'S'. As it has cam follower access covers it is not a 1275cc Midget engine.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-midget-f ... y.3855862/

Photos of the OPs engine especially the O/S and N/S of the block would be helpful.

Cooper 'S' engines converted for use in fore and aft configuration were a common occurrence way back

frankiepuss
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by frankiepuss »

Here are some pics.
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frankiepuss
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by frankiepuss »

philthehill wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 2:04 pm Here is a 1275cc engine with a 38G prefixed engine number stamped into the top of the block. Link below.
The 12A185 head fitted to the engine in the link is early 1275cc Cooper 'S'. As it has cam follower access covers it is not a 1275cc Midget engine.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mg-midget-f ... y.3855862/

Photos of the OPs engine especially the O/S and N/S of the block would be helpful.

Cooper 'S' engines converted for use in fore and aft configuration were a common occurrence way back
Thanks for your response Phil - have posted three pics. No idea if these will help.
jagnut66
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by jagnut66 »

Hi,
It looks like a Marina engine with the oil filter in that position.......?
Also is that 'AD' I see on the plate under the engine number?
Best wishes,
Mike.
1954 Series 2: 4 door: "Sally" -- Back on the ground with (slave) wheels and waiting to be resprayed......
1970 Triumph Herald 1200: "Hetty" -- Driven back from Llangollen in Wales (twice.....)
philthehill
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by philthehill »

Thank you for posting the photos.
I agree that the engine appears to be a reconditioned Morris Marina 1275cc item.
As an aside I would advise that you fit the correct alternator bracket.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114992254805 ... Sw9oVhQhcN
The set up you have has been known to break off the alternator mount lug.

JOWETTJAVELIN
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Re: 1275 Engine ID

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

AD details the size of the bores and crankshaft journals. This tells you if they are Standard or otherwise.
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