Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

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VUY
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Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Hello all,

First post and apologies in advance for what may be the first of many obvious/stupid questions.

I am rebuilding a 1958 two door. It was my first car (1983-ish) but has been in my garage waiting for a proper rebuild for about 25-30 years (lots of reasons/excuses etc). So the rebuild has started. The body is now a shell and due into the paint shop end October.

I have just had the engine internals done (pistons, bores, crank, head etc) and I’ve starting to reassemble. The engine is upside down and just put the sump back on.

First ‘silly’ question..... when I turn the engine over to rebuild the top end am I OK to rest/stand the engine on the sump?

The thought process being that with fairly low torque settings on the sump bolts, will the weight of the engine compress the gasket and lead to oil leaks?

If the answer is ‘Don’t store it on the sump’ any suggestions on how to best support it when I turn it over would be welcome.

A few pictures attached.

Many thanks.
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King Kenny
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by King Kenny »

Nice photos and good looking engine. I love a good looking engine.
I have always rested the engine on its sump with no problems.
1969 Traveller in Almond green. Owned since 1979.
Murrayminor
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by Murrayminor »

Try and get yourself an engine stand someone may have one to loan you.
The problem with resting the engine on the sump is firstly it's unsteady and if you happen to drop it at a crutial point you may damage it.
The sump will hold the weight of the engine it's just not recommended and will also scratch your new paint.
Proud owner of my first Morris Minor
les
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by les »

Until this post I hadn’t given it a second thought. A piece of cloth etc underneath will protect paint. Presumably, to avoid lifting, you could ‘roll’ in over onto the sump.

VUY
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Thanks all

I currently have it on a pallet at work which I can put up on the racking with the forklift during the week to avoid damage (and temptation to play) - so putting on its sump is preferable to the engine stand.

From the quick replies, (thank you), I will go this route with a bit of old carpet underneath. I can add some ‘carpeted’ chocks on the pallet if it is too unstable.

Thanks again.
don58van
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by don58van »

I can add some ‘carpeted’ chocks on the pallet if it is too unstable.
I think this would be essential if you will be moving the pallet about with a forklift. Just my tuppence worth.

Don
VUY
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Thank you Don - I will chock.

Can I just confirm if thermostat housing and water pump are painted green or left as cast? Seem to find photos with both.
ManyMinors
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by ManyMinors »

Originally ALL was painted green. The entire engine unit was sprayed AFTER assembly.
Well done on starting your restoration by the way!
Any pictures of the body before it goes away?
VUY
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Green it is then.

I had a false start on the restoration about 10 years ago so will dig out some pics later.

Thanks again for all the advice.
VUY
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Some pics of the false start a few years ago.
The first is the car with engine out and bonnet off ready for steam cleaning.
I then painstakingly scrapped all the underseal off and wire brushed back to metal to reveal the usual rust culprits.
Had the welding done and a primer put on the floor inside.
Then borrowed a ramp to finish cleaning up underneath. Zinc primer, followed by chassis black and then stone chip to finish.
Repainted and rebuilt the suspension.
Then it all stopped for a few years!
So now whilst waiting for the body shop slot in October to refit wings and respray its on with the engine/gearbox which is where I'm at now.
… and that is a potted history!
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King Kenny
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by King Kenny »

Looking very neat. Lovely colour. My partner had a black 2 door. She was very proud of it.
1969 Traveller in Almond green. Owned since 1979.
VUY
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Re: Engine Rebuild - resting on sump?

Post by VUY »

Thanks for all the advice ... it’s starting to look like an engine again...
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