Morris Minor Owners Club

Is there anyone out there, who has a spigot bush for the sidevalve engine for sale? It sits in the end of the crankshaft and supports the axel from the gearbox. I can't find one from the suppliers I know (they all have the one for the OHV engines, but they don't fit), and I have tried with a copy in solid brass, but that wears out after approx 2000 miles.

I live in Denmark, and here we have less than 20 Series MM, so I can't expect to find it here.... If you can help me, please send an email to sm@nmmk.dk.

Cheers from Simon Marsbøll in Denmark

The bush needs to be made of Oilite which is porous and retains the oil for lubrication.
Brass bushes are no good as you have found out.
As you have had one made you must know the measurements.
There are plenty of Oilite bushes of different sizes on 'e' bay.
For example:-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Imperial-Oil ... SJgw2USPHw
If you cannot find the right size you may have to get an existing bush machined to suit.
Once you have got then right size Oilite bush soak it in engine oil overnight before fitting.

I think you'll find that this Plain Imperial Oilite Bush from 'Get Your Bearings' is of the correct size for the spigot bush:

Part No. AI101220 - Internal Diameter: 5/8" x Outside Diameter: 3/4" x Length: 1.1/4"

http://www.getyourbearings.co.uk/plain- ... 01220.html

Some crankshafts may require a bush of shorter length - check the depth of the internal machining of your crank - if required shorter bushes are available for example AI101218 at 1.1/8" long or AI101216 at 1" long

Hello
The spigot bush for the MM engine is exactly the same size as for the pre war Morris 8. You might find more Morris 8 s in Denmark than MMs. That is how I purchased one recently here in UK.
Colin

You're partially correct Colin as regards the Morris 8 spigot bush being exactly the same (I actually own a 1936 Series I Morris Eight). However it's only the 1939 to 1948 Series E models with the counterbalanced crankshaft and four speed gearbox that used an Oilite Bush identical in size to the MM. The earlier 1935 to 1938 Pre Series, Series I and Series II Eights with non-counterbalanced crank and three speed gearbox utilised a Double Row Self-Aligning (ball) Bearing - SKF 1201 rather than an Oilite Bush. Of course just to confuse the issue many Pre Series, Series I and Series II Eight owners have fitted the later Series E engine and four speed gearbox in their earlier cars - so there could be some earlier Eights like that in Denmark.
I'm sure there may be more Morris 8's in Denmark than MM's - there's a Danish branch of the UK's Morris Register - link below - they may be able to help you locally.

http://www.morrisregister.dk/morrisregister/index.html

There's also the 'Morris 8 Klub Danmark'

http://www.morris8klub.dk/index0.htm

And a Morris Minor Club

http://nmmk.dk

I'm very greatful for all your help! I think the secret word for me was "oilite". Now things pop up on Google

Cheers from one happy Series MM owner

Simon