Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Oil sump nipple :)

Thanks for posting.
I think the sump guard looks spot on, particularly in it's modified form.
I didn't realise there was a problem with the +8, although I've not done that many miles I've certainly gone over quite a number of speed bumps with no problem.
A call to Uncle Melvyn seems on the cards, better to be safe than sorry!

Worthers +8

Better safe than sorry

Meanwhile we are progressing

Naked...


Oil sump (interesting to see that it's a 2 layer metal)


Outside sunny and warm but unfortunately...
[/QUOTE]

We decide to try a different solution for the oil sump protection.
We (Borghi and myself) got bored to buy new sumps every six months so this time we will try this:
Use one of my old sumps, force the nipple (sorry, I cannot name it differently) at the level of the oil sump, and then solder the "ring" both inside and outside.
In this way we will have:
- a reinforced ring
- a bigger clearance from ground
- the pleasure of having something "hand made"
- a more long-lasting solution (hopefully)

I keep you posted.

Very interesting thread. Thanks, JMog and Ale for the photos. I share the concern. I had to re weld the sump on my last Caterham, and the Roadster had a few issues with speed bumps in France last year. So far no problems with the Aero, but the oil nipple does look very vulnerable, and I'd feel happier with some protection.
Any idea how much Melvyn's solution costs?

Hi Rob,
Melvyn charged me £172.20 to make and fit the sump guard which includes all materials and labour.

Ale,
I like your solution to the oil 'nipple'problem but don't forget your oil filter housing is still vulnerable and can be ripped off in the same way.

You are absolutely right.
And, from a damage perspective I am even more worried because of the oil filter housing than the oil sump, since the housing is full plastic.
On the other hand, as of now it really has no scratch at all, so it seems that, somehow, it's in a more "safe" position.
Borghi was telling me that to them it only happened once that the oil filter housing got broken, while they are used to sump issues.

I will anyhow check with them if, by changing the central screw of the housing maybe we could make it a little bit shortened cutting away some plastic.
Or... that would be interesting... if some OEM parts could be slightly different in design.

This is a "google based approach" so I am not trusting 100% the pics. Look at first images here:
https://www.google.it/search?q=11+42+7+6...KHb0-CqYQsAQIIg

Some cars have a sump plug that instead of standing out from the sump with a hex head so a spanner is needed to remove it have a flat plug with an internal Allen key socket, normally M10, so an Allen key is needed to remove it.

Like THIS.

I wonder if something similar could be found for the BMW sump? If it could that would give about 1cm additional clearance....

The one in the pic is like ours.



We would need something like this

Hi Ale,
I have taken a look at your google solution and think that if a smooth faced filter housing were used it would be much less easy to catch on an obstruction. It does seem that it is the moulded nut on the bottom which makes the housing so vulnerable. If this catches on an obstruction it gives purchase to it and so levers it off. Fitting a smooth faced housing may well encourage the obstruction to slide over it instead.

Of course, it all depends on what kind of obstruction that you ground the car on, wether it is smooth like a traffic calming measure or solid steel upright like a gate keeper. I like the thought of solving the problem without having to resort to a sump guard but have the feeling that having a plate running under the engine will encourage the car to slide over the obstruction or give loud warning not to proceed.