1256 HC Sump Gasket

[vauxhallbitz]

How easy is it to change the sump and sump gasket with the engine in the car, I think I may have a cracked or rusted sump!!!

[Johnboy HB]

The problem is, the cross member is too close to the sump to just remove, you may be able to undo it & lower it enough to get it to clear after first supporting the engine or maybe even raise the engine enough to clear, haven't tried it myself so can't be sure

[1972nail]

I do remember considering it back in the 70's but can't remember if I tried it. In the end I had to replace the engine so it came out anyway. I think that it can't be done as the strainer and pick up pipe get in the way even though the engine is jacked up.

It might be easier to support the engine and drop the cross member to gain clearance. If you consider this route remember to be very careful mot to bend the steering column.

If it is only a pinhole in the sump it can be brazed in-situ. Just drain the oil first and remove the oil filler cap.

Many years ago a work colleague had an Imp, he punctured the sump a few days before going on a Continental touring holiday. A quick run to a welder and a spot of braze fixed it......or so he thought.

At morning tea break while the car was parked in the staff car park, just hours before departure that Friday evening, one of the pranksters in work who bore a grudge decided to wipe some oil on the newly brazed part of the sump, spill some on the wet ground below the engine and drip a trail from the car park gate.

Lunch time saw some frantic phone calls and trips to the Hillman dealers and local car breakers to track down a replacement sump and gaskets, then an afternoon spent below the Imp swapping over the sump with a couple of us concerned mates in attendance while the prankster sat looking out the window....

Needless to say the owner was less than pleased when he returned 3 weeks later to be told it was all a dirty trick.

[vauxhallbitz]

Thanks for that, not sure if it is a pinhole or a cracked weld on the supporting bracket around the drain plug. In any case a I have to try and change it so will give it a go.......

[vauxhallbitz]

Well I have confirmed the sump is leaking around the bracket which surrounds the drain plug and looking at my old engine and sump it looks like the engine will have to come out again, deep joy!!!!!!

[thomas]

It's do-able in the alternative manner David suggests, leaving the engine in, and dropping the sub-frame. The fiddliest bit is the steering column to s/rack coupling, then it's just engine mountings, the four subframe mounting bolts and brake pipe connections. You'd need to support the front of the car itself at or forward of the gearbox/engine rear-support; axle-stands don't sit well here due to the angle between stands and underside necessary to get clearance at the front, and it isn't awfully stable, with a lot of overhang either side. Failsafe stacks of wheels/tyres are strongly recommended. Single-handed it would be difficult; another's assistance at some points is desirable. You can use this method while supporting the engine with a conventional hoist. With practice it can be done in 15 minutes.

Supporting the engine with a horizontal beam as in the pictures is obviously not recommended at all for body repairs or other work if the wings/inner wings aren't strong in the area under the supporting beam (it's a bad way to find out they aren't). These are more suited to use with strut type front suspensions which are much stronger by design in this area than the Viva.

[vauxhallbitz]

Hello Thomas, thanks for that, I think I will just take the engine and box back out again it seems to be the best option.

[vauxhallbitz]

Changed sump last night, gearbox out, flywheel and clutch off, one engine mount off, engine jacked up and out it came. It was cracked at one of the spot welds, no rust surprisingly think the engine must have been dropped on the bracket at one time and it took the full weight and cracked the weld.

Original sump now fitted, so far no leaks, might make Sywell after all, fingers crossed!

[Fred Dukes]

[1972nail]

Just a thought. The bracketed sump appeared in 74-75 ish. That was the time of the crash test modifications, could be something related? Also there was a drive on in Vauxhall to reduce road and drive train noise, different subframe mounting bushes, harmonic balance weights on the OHV rear axle, possibly something there?

If it was the first reason I hope you never have to find out if it makes any difference, If it's the second I don't think you will notice any difference anyway.