Engine identity help required

[chrishewett]

I have just bought a 1968 +2 to break.
I am confused as to what engine is in the car. It has a lotus cam cover but the number on the block is 711M60159. The carbs are 45DCOE13. It has an electric fuel pump. The most confusing thing is that I can't find a dipstick. Am I going mad?
Chris

[types26/36]

Chris,
A 1600 Xflow has a casting number (not engine number) of 711M 6015 BA
A 1300 Xflow " " " " " " 711m 6015 AA
I not know the number you are quoting??
The carbs are 45DCOE's and will fetch a very high price on ebay.
The dipstick on 711 engines should be behind the petrol pump mounting (see pic)

[john.p.clegg]

"The dipstick on 711 engines should be behind the petrol pump mounting (see pic) " if it has a rear sump bowl,but if used on the plus2 which has a front sump bowl,the dipstick will be in the front timing cover....

John

[types26/36]

,but if used on the plus2 which has a front sump bowl,the dipstick will be in the front timing cover....John

True, unless it has been dry sumped then both the front and rear holes could have been sealed up, of course been a plus 2, the chassis rail (removable channel) could have been left off and a rear bowl sump used.

[chrishewett]

Ok. The number may be 6015BA, I will have to check in the morning. As for the dipstick holes, they seem to have been blanked off. The front timing cover hole has definately been blanked off and I have just checked and the hole behind the petrol pump mounting has been blanked off also. What does this mean? So what does " dry sump" mean? What has someone done to this engine? And why? And, most importantly, how the F**k do you check the oil level?
chris

[types26/36]

Dry sumping is when a different type of lubrication system has been fitted, the oil is not kept in the sump, it has a seperate oil tank with a pump that picks up the oil and returns it to the tank. The sump normally has a channel instead of a bowl and is returned to the tank from there,it will usually also have a remote oil filter.
There are certain advantages to a dry sump system like less oil drag, no oil stavation under cornering/braking and acceleration plus more ground clearence for a low car. It is normally used in raceing/competition and generally not required for road cars.
The oil level is checked in the tank usually mounted under the bonnet, have a look at the sump and see if it is quite flat with a channel running down the centre. It sounds like you could have quite a hot motor there considering it has 45 carbs.

[riverkeeper]

Chris,

You might have a 'useful lump' there ?. You wouldn't normally run 45 DCOE's on standard cams etc. On a 711M X-flow conversion they don't tend to need to fit 45's till the engine is producing 150bhp plus. Might be worth checking what the engine internals are ?. Of course it could just be someone stuck 45 webbers on it...

Wayne.