radiator hoses

In any case, the point I was making was that I would be surprised if an A series engine had ever got to 100K with *no* work being done on it.

I still think it extremely unlikely that many of them did.

Chris

I replied to you based [...]

Would have been unbelievable on a 1.3 Marina!

Chris

Nonsense. ;-)

Exactly. *You* mentioned the Marina first!

So can you provide specific details of the differences between earlier A series engine and the 1275 unit that make the 1275 more likely to last to

Chris

Pretty unlikely still. Being better than the early ones is like pointing out that a standard Marina 1.3s better in a drag race than a Ford Cargo.

Stronger crank (larger bearings), con rods, pistons. Better materials used pretty well throughout.

Those changes would have been to cope with the increased output of the

Chris

But vastly increased the durability, in conjunction with modern oils and better filtration. The original A Series had by-pass filtration.

oooyyy. I raced a marina 1.3 auto in banger racing, came sixth in one race against 3 litre granadas and the like, great little car.

Given it was probably free that's fair, but ....

It was free. my marina van cost 50 quid, did loads of work, had little maintenance and sold for 300 after a year or two. my marina estate came free and was used for ages, then sold for 400 and I did quite a few repairs over many years for the new owner (that had the OHC engine and was far too fast for the suspension/brakes)