rich@minispares.com wrote:
SiC wrote:
My first questions...
- If I pull the engine, I guess it makes sense to go out the top and not drop the subframe? As I'll ideally need the wheels attached anyway and I don't really want to disturb the hydrolastic suspension too much unneccessarily.
- How many and where are the engine mounts? I tried having a good look at an 1100 engine bay at the last NEC Classic Car show, but I couldn't see where they all were (lighting isn't great at the show admittedly).
- The off-side hydrolastic pipe valve is jammed in (see earlier in this thread) and needs its valve replacing. Vulgalour has told me that its pretty well stuck in there and the pipe really needs to be removed and clamped in a vice to prevent damaging the pipes. As I'll be doing welding along where the pipe runs (drivers floor), I'm thinking its probably a good idea for me to remove the pipe anyway. Do both subframes need dropping to remove the pipe?
I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future!

answers
engine out the top, its a half hour job really
1 x engine mount under clutch, 2 x engine mounts at rad side, back one undo the one nut and leave mount attached to engine, at front undo the engine mount bracket thats on the subframe and eave it attached to the mount - if you try and just pull the engine out with this bracket on the frame you just damage the threads on the mounts
both frames need dropping out to get the pipes out, but its dead easy on a ado16, miles easier than a mini, you will probably need to drop the rear frame to check the condition of the front rubber mounts as they fail in sheer
nothing is difficult on them, the frames are dead easy to take in and out, much easier than on a mini
if you see the links to my two cars there are loads of photos, particually of the orange one as its been to a bare shell
Thanks for these tips. I should hopefully be ready soon to pull the engine. I can see the bits you mean and it makes sense the bits I need to undo.
In the meantime I've been pulling bits off ready.
I jacked up at the front of the subframe, as I couldn't get my jack elsewhere easily. Plus I think behind the engine is the gearbox selector and I didn't want to risk cracking the sump by lifting it there either.


One of the bottom of the subframe is missing a chunk compared to the other side. I guess maybe ripped off when someone jacked it up at the wrong point previously?
This car will never be a show beauty queen. Well it could, but it'd be a triggers broom. I quite like the fact I don't need to worry too much about getting things perfect - unlike the MGB where it'll mess it up if I don't.