Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Series 1 Roadster - Sump

I was under the distinct impression that someone had.....

No, the sump would catch on the edge as we went over and save us!
Nick

So DW's plough will also protect us from going over the edge ?
How amazing is that!
Protecting mind and body!!!!

I guess there is no arguing that an ally sump on a vehicle of minimal ground clearance seems like a less than ideal design, and perhaps less so in the age of sleeping policemen etc..? I have hit the sump on my +8 only once that I can remember when going through the gated entrance of a petite chateau while touring. I guess I was too busy looking at the interesting architecture to note the ruts either side of the cast iron centre gate keeper which hit the sump with a clunk...Ouch..! Had the sump been alloy I would have been stuck in France for a while.

Having spent rather a lot of time over a period of circa 25 years reading of the many and varied ideas on modifications, I have seen a few folk setting out to make "improvements" to their Morgans, that created ..err..side effects they had not exactly considered,. but then has that not ever been the way..? I remember one who fitted a rather stout crossbar to protect the sump of the taller modern engine he had fitted in search of more power and reliability and which unfortunately reduced his sumps ground clearance... I think he sold it on soon after.. Of course I have also noted some well engineered solutions which have been created by skilled Morganeers, though Ido wonder at the number of potentially dangerous mods carried out and how any might affect any resultant insurance claim..?

Link to chateau pic if interested..

https://www.tm-img.com/image/tbW7U

I wouldn't expect any insurance policy to cover more than get you home.

With the right level of observation, it's only the unexpected sharp drops which present a real hazard. Although our local council have created speedhump central, and there are half a dozen within half a mile on our most direct route to the motorway.

The Ford V6 sump has a really peculiar shape, which would be a challenge to press from sheet steel. In my time with V8 MGBs, even after a few years, the heat from the down pipes blistered the paint on the sides of the sump, which then rusted, and eventually perforated. So steel pans are not without issues.

A while back I was on the A40 west of Brecon in the Plus8.
A large stone/ small rock fell off another vehicle and I had to drive over it. No room to swerve. A loud bang. Pulled over to check. Saw a dent in the sump. No leaks. Oil pressure normal. I pulled into a lay-by a short distance further on for a better look. Slight dent only just inboard from the sump plug. A lucky miss! Thankfully the Rover sump is a strong one made of decent gauge steel.