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Anyone who thinks the B doesn't belong in this series, consider this fact: the Hindustan Motors Ambassador, perhaps the world's most workhorsey car since the Model T, was powered by the BMC B until the early 90s. Starting in 1954, if it was British and had wheels you'd have a good chance of seeing this engine when you popped the bonnet. Why, even the Nash Metropolitan had B power! Once they went to a five-bearing crank, the B was actually much more dependable than most of the cars it powered. We say it's a workhorse! Engine photo credit: Stephen Foskett [Wikipedia]
Workhorse Engine of the Day: BMC B-Series
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4:30 PM on Tue Oct 16 2007
By Murilee Martin
1,140 views
15 comments
Comments
Murilee: I'd just like to thank you for continuing to cite the venerable old Amby on this site.
Dude, your carbs are 90 degrees off...oh wait...nevermind
If there is going to be mention of a B series motor, the Volvo B series should not be far behind.
Were they not as good toward the end of their cycle I had a 79 MGB and I beg to differ Ms. Martin.
i got two words for you...
COOPER S!!!!
they rocked! from a crappy little 850 that barely climbed hills, to the MINI COOPER S, these engines were the small block V-8 of brits... built all over the world...
@billstewartx: That would be one word and a letter.
I've been hearing rumblings about the lack of moly in the new commercial oil formulations and that it is wreaking havoc on older solid lifter engines like the B motor and Porsche engines. Also read a few vintage mechanics recommending diesel truck motor oil or the hi-dollar stuff like Royal purple and GM oil additives.
Oh, and I'm getting ready to rebuild a 67 B motor. Wish me luck. I have no idea how hooned out it is.
Those OHV engines are just a fad.
They'll never catch on.
Ford of England produced a flathead [side-valve in British] 4 cyl from 1932 to 1962.
Used in cars, tractors, and probably even garden tillers, it was an indestructible piece of cast iron.[www.fsoc.co.uk]
Seriously, I'd love to have a Morris Minor woody wagon or convertible in the BFG.
Its no Briggs and Stratton powered King Midget, but the Morris' had a lot of soul. [Rubber Soul?]
@biminitwst: Hmmm... you make a good case for the ol' sidevalve.
@Murilee Martin: Speaking of sidee valves, a good workhorse engine is one still in production: The Reliant all-aluminum engine. Now that deserves a mention (apart from this one, of course..)
@3wheeler: I've been considering Coventry Climax engines as well... but don't worry, we'll see more stuff from The Island at some point.
(dons anorak) Of course, all Mini engines were different versions of the venerable BMC "A" series, same as the Midget, A 40, Austin America, etc. (removes anorak)
I had a 998 version of the "A" in my '67 Riley Elf (such a sweet little motor) and the comparatively HUGE version of them in my 1275 Midget Mk IIIs. Mooorrr powerrrr! The ultimate was the 1275+ (called a 1.3) in my grey market 1991 Mini Cooper - the last of the carbureted 1275 cc "A" series engines. Who needs a "B"? (ha! I was only kidding about taking the anorak off!)
And don't worry, if I can do it, anyone can rebuild one of these engines, either A or B. Easy peasy, more or less. Keep it clean!
@scottydawg: I'll be rebuilding a B motor at the beginning of the year or so (it's currently in a '70 BGT, but no idea yet what year it's really from, just that it's a 5-main). It was pretty good, when it was running -- .060 over, hot cam, weber side draught. According to my friend (it's previous owner), it absolutely flew...
It'll fit nicely into my '71 BGT...
Yo! I took that photo! How about a little attribution, eh Murlee?
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