Hi all.
Just a question about the oil pump gasket. It seems to me that the oil Pump gasket Could use trimming In the area outlined in red because it’s not squashed between two surfaces there. I know It probably doesn’t happen, But what if a piece of gasket were to break off and damage the pump or block an oil gallery? It’s just flapping in the breeze there, so I thought should I trim it to match the pump, Then all of the gasket is clamped between two surfaces and can’t go anywhere it shouldn’t. I’m sure people have thought this before when putting an engine together. Thanks.

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1972 Mk3 Mini 1000, 1150cc supercharged.
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95872

I used some Permatex Aviation stuff to adhere it to the block, I would think it's unlikely it'll come off.

I wonder, has anyone else made that mod?

I can see why you suggest it [edit: I have idly wondered the same thing too]. Maybe the fact I haven't heard anyone doing that mod means it isn't necessarily?


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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

I don't have any real technical knowledge on this but I can offer my thoughts on your question:

1. these pumps and gaskets have been used on A series engines since the 1950s so any issues would have been identified by now (not always a foolproof argument);
2. the elongated chambers on the pump are not matched by a similar shape on the block face, so the gasket is supported on one face at least, so use a gasket cement;
3. the gasket material used seems to resist being compromised over time, as your photo shows;
4. reshaping the gasket might allow oil to drain out of the pump chambers when a tight seal is desirable.

I have pulled many a motor down and never seen a gasket problem

Something to ponder if nothing else. I actually talked to my local mini man yesterday about this and he's only experienced it once with a gasket that was more flexible than the paper one and a bit of it got stuck in the pump causing lack of oil pressure.
Bill, that's an interesting point about the gasket maybe keeping some oil in the pump, I think I'll leave the gasket for now and use some sealant to seal it to the block so it can't come unstuck.

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1972 Mk3 Mini 1000, 1150cc supercharged.
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95872

I think I remember Vizard's yellow book talking about trimming the gasket as you suggest, it may have been another source though.

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Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss

I've looked in both my books but I still can't find where it was mentioned.
It might have been a Calvers article but I can't find it there either...

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Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss

I put a radius on the bottom edge of the outlet hole in my block and trimmed the gasket to suit.
These paper gaskets go hard with age, I've never seen one break up.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.