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Engines

A-series Cutaway A-series Engine Plate
 Cutaway  Engine Plate Location 

Standard Engines

Four basic A-Series engines were fitted as standard to A30s and A35s during their production. There were also both high and low compression versions, low mainly in commercial vehicles and signified by the LCS in the Chassis Number (GPO vans appeared to have a specific engine for them).

For more information on the engine design, please refer to Engine Design under our Austin History pages.

SizeEngine
No
Prefix
Notes
803cc2AFitted with a screw-on canister oil filter
948cc9A950 cast into block
1098cc10ABFitted to commercials in Low-comp form
848cc8GFitted to late vans †
† Engines starting 8G9 R are generally factory refurbished engines and mostly 948cc (see 950 casting on block): Gold-seal (full engine) or Silver-seal (short engine)

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Alternative engines

SizeEngine
No
Prefix
Notes
948cc9DAustin A40 Mk I
948cc9DBAustin A40 early Mk II
1098cc10D
10DD
Austin A40 Mk II
948cc9CG
9CC
Austin Healey Sprite Mk I (Frogeye)
1098cc10CGSprite Mk I/ MG Midget Mk I (1.75" main bearings)
1098cc10CCSprite Mk II/ MG Midget Mk II (2 inch main bearings)
1275cc12CC
12CE
Sprite Mk IV/ MG Midget Mk III (home market) after Oct '72, 12V/586F/H
1275cc12CD
12CJ
Sprite Mk IV/ MG Midget Mk III (US Market) 12V/671Z/L N. America

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Morris Engines

SizeEngine
No
Prefix
Notes
803ccAPHMSeries 2: fitted with SU originally
948ccAPJMSeries 3
948cc9MSeries 4
1098cc10MASeries 5
1098cc10MESeries 5, close circuit breather
948cc8AGMorris 1000 GPO van after 1962
1098cc10VMorris 1000 van closed circuit breather
1275cc12VMorris Marina/Ital: A+ thick flange block, fitted with screw-on filter at rear of block which may interfere with steering box

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Special A-Series Engines new

Occasionally a 'special' engine code turns up. below are some we have discovered that are not listed in the 'standard' engine number lists we have found or been provided with.

SizeEngine
No
Prefix
Notes
948cc9SElva Junior Race Engine. Found in the UK.
948cc9CPossible early AH Sprite Mk.1.
This was found fitted to a 1938 Austin in the US

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Standard bore and stroke

A-Series

SizeBoreStroke
803cc2.28" / 58mm3" / 76.2mm
948cc2.477" / 62.94mm3" / 76.2mm
1098cc2.542" / 64.58mm3.3" / 83.72mm
848cc2.477" / 62.94mm2.76" / 68mm
1275cc2.78" / 70.61mm3.2" / 81.28mm


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What oil should we use?

Mineral oil is recommended. Most owners probably use a 20W50 multi-grade, but you could use 30W, etc. Synthetic oils were not available when the A-series was developed.

Use the same mineral-based in the gearbox where the internals use softer metals. A higher zinc content might be worth considering due to the bronze bushes, etc. The syncromesh would be problematic with a synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.

We know this is an engine page but it make sense to include the other lubrication specs together.

Use EP90 GL4 in the rear axle.

Low-melting point multi-purpose grease can be used in the various grease points of the suspension (and rear brake operating rods) but many recommend using marine-grease in the front suspension to reduce the impact of damp.

The steering-box and idler are lubricated with thicker EP oils and here again members recommend using a thicker grease (or oil/grease mix) to reduce leakage from the cork seals. Alternatively more modern seals are available and can be fitted to the box and idler to reduce leakage. Information on these is available on the Club's Forum.

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