1500 engine questions

[BDN712V]

Have just got an replacement short engine from a Spit, but remember reading some thread about starter motors and taking different flywheels depending on age (can't find it again, and have spent ages looking...) PLanning on just transplanting my current stuff.<br>
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SO - any thoughts - engine no. is FM29944HE, any history would be appreciated. Was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago - rebored +30thou, bearings replaced, so hopefully will be built up with a spare head I have and other bits.<br>
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BUT I also need a camshaft... any suggestions / ones tucked away exchangeable for MONEY?<br>
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Cheers,<br>
Tim

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[BDN712V]

Just found the thread..wasn't looking for toledo stuff...<br>
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Does it apply to ALL 1500 engines that were in Spits??<br>
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Cheers,<br>
Tim

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[Jon Tilson]

to be completely authoritative on the subject. I think a serious study of parts books and engine numbers would be in order. I do know that 1500 Dollies have a pre engaged starter and Ive only ever seen 1 spit like that and I made it so...<br>
I fitted a Fitchetts supplied shortie to a Spit and the flywheel wouldnt swap as the bolt spacing was different.<br>
They had a look and sent a different flywheel...<br>
I put it all back with the SPit inertia starter and it wouldnt engage...not surprising really. After some head scratching and phone calls they sent me the right starter and its been fine ever since. No reason why the reverse coundnt happen and if you put a spit lump in a dolly but the wiring connections may be more difficult cos the main plus feed in a 1500 Dollie goes to the solenoid on the starter and it will need a remote solenoid for the inertia type. As to cams I gather the Mk3 1300 spit has the wildest std cam but I expect Triumptune do some good ones as Terry Hurrell really new his stuff on this engine.<br>
Jonners

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[Silvery]

As far as I know, the solenoid off a Mini should either be the same as the Spit/ Dolly 1300 one, if not, then it'll certainly do the job <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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[BDN712V]

The current engine has strugggled for oil pressure for a while now (hence spit one to rebuild in its place), but having tried to investigate a rather loud tappety noise, the rocker cover was removed, engine fired up... and no oil came out! Any suggestions as to what to try?? Guessing there's an oilway blocked, but not sure how or where.<br>
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Tim

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[Toledo Man]

You were on about my thread about the replacement 1500 engine and gearbox (courtesy of Jod - cheers matey!) that will be going in my Toledo. I must admit I didn't know the flywheels on the 1300 and 1500 engines were different.<br>
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On the subject of your blocked oilway, it reminded me of a letter in April's edition of "Practical Classics" where somebody had the engine on his Herald all gunged up with old oil. The advice was to change the filter, drain the oil and refill 15/50 (diesel oil) and change the oil and filter again after 3000 miles. I don't know if it will clear that oilway though...<br>


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[Jon Tilson]

of the time I did a service on a Valencia (Kent) engined Escort.....tappets a bit noisy so I took off the rocker cover.....couldnt see the rockers at all for a solid mess of black gloop. I kid you not i COULDT EVEN SEE the adjustng nuts....It looked like it had another internal rocker cover made of something rubbery.<br>
Afetr 20 minutes of scraping and unbunging breather tubes etc I flushed the lump a few times on a home made concoction of parafin first with plugs out and heavy use of starter motor) then some old ATF with parafin...I ran it gently this time at tickover til it was well warm...then some proper flushing oil and finally the real stuff. I changed the oil filter twice in the process....<br>
It sounded better afterwards and ran for a year or so until its lady student teacher sold it. When I explained that it was the worst oil I had ever seen she said she had no money for servicing "cos my grant wont run to that". It hadnt seen an oil change for 4 YEARS!<br>
So if you have noisy tappets I wouldnt worry...it cant be as bad as that escort....<br>
Jonners<br>


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[BDN712V]

Went through and checked the oilways as best I could - no problems. Knew there shouldn't be as I'd only recently cleaned up a known good head and fitted it. Knew also I had poor oil pressure, and finally got round to fitting hte new oil pump I had bought...<br>
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What a difference!!!! So much smoother, much quicker pressure build up, ideal!! The old one was VERY well worn - comment from a former BL mechanic - "surprised you were getting ANY oil pressure with that!". Just as well I've taken care of the rest of it...<br>
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...but it still needs rebuilding and I've nw got ALMOST allt he bits I require - only after a flywheel for a Spit / Midget, then new ring gear to suit the pre-engaged starters i have!<br>
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Cheers,<br>
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Tim

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[Toledo Man]

I've removed the starter from my Toledo and I tried it in my 1500 engine and I think that it will fit! (once the packing piece and shims are in place) I won't find out until it's all installed but it's looking good so far...<br>


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[hez37]

I had a similar "oil" experience with an old Fiat Uno I bought for my wife. It got to the point where I couldn't put any oil in the filler so I took the rocker cover off. I spent an hour scooping chunks of oil out with my hands and when I realised eventually that this blob had almost seized the engine and would take many more hours to remove (and as I couldn't be bothered scooping any more out) I sold the thing for £150. I lost £250 but got 2 years of motoring out of it. I now change the oil on my dolly every 5K.

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[Jon Tilson]

as a Toledo will ahve an inertia starter and as long as the 1500 lump came from a Spit or Midget 1500 it will fit an inerta starter.<br>
Not that IME the 1500 Dolly with pre engaged starter has a different crank and flywheel....the bolt spacing is differebt. Not sure if the ring gear for an inertia starter would fit this type of flywheel. You need the thck shim or spacer at least and its about 1cm thick between starter and end plate.<br>
Jonners

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