1100cc short block needed ?!

[stuart0507]

This may seem a strange request for this forum but bear with me - I recently purchased a 1958 small cabin cruiser fitted with a BMC Vedette 1100 cc marine petrol engine, which I'm told is the marine equivalent of the MM 1100 engine (?!) I bought a reconditioned cylinder head (old one was cracked) but it appears the block has also gone (water getting into the cylinders) so I'm wondering if anyone could suggest a reputable source for an 1100 block as a replacement ?
Many thanks

[oliver90owner]

Are you sure?

The 1098 engine was not introduced until the 1960s I believe. That is one point

Another is: Are you sure the water is entering the cylinders from the block? All cylinders? If all, I would be suspecting a water-cooled exhaust system before a cracked block.

[stuart0507]

Thanks for your reply. In short, I am only going on what I've been told by the marina mechanic and the owner of a boat with the same engine who has many years experience in restoring vintage engines. So perhaps there's another BMC equivalent 1098 cc of the late 1950's and I have misheard it as being a Morris.

I will seek to clarify the cracked block in light of your comments !
Many thanks
Stuart

[philthehill]

Both 950cc and 1098cc engine blocks are readily available on 'e' bay and all at reasonable prices. You may have to accept more than a bare block but the additional parts will come in handy.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor ... Sw8WtddjyC

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR ... Sw1-1c2GCD

[RobThomas]

vedette2.jpg (48.14 KiB) Viewed 1306 times

I have a rebuilt 950 Vedette short engine here, if you get stuck. New pistons/camshaft, lifters etc. Located near Cardiff.

[RobThomas]

I'm lloking for an earlier Vedette like this one.

v5.jpg (431.05 KiB) Viewed 1305 times

[stuart0507]

vedette2.jpgI have a rebuilt 950 Vedette short engine here, if you get stuck. New pistons/camshaft, lifters etc. Located near Cardiff.

Thank you ! Could you give an idea of price for this as I may be interested (assuming it is the same spec - see photo attached)

Regards
Stuart

[ianmack]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3100113514

Here’s one on ebay.

[RobThomas]

That one is probably even worse! Vedettes seem to suffer from the lack of anti-freeze corrosion additives in river water. Very anti-social of the Water Board to not chuck in enough chemicals!

[RobThomas]

Stuart. This one is a 950 rather than a 1098 so, whilst basically identical, it has a smaller engine power output. Smoother running engine, though. Your gearbox will bolt straight on.
I have a 950 head, although, your 1098 head would work better if it was skimmed and fitted. I'd guess £400 outright would cover the cost of the machining and the new pistons/bearings etc. You might find it cheaper to buy a 1098 and get that rebuilt.