Help ID my Mini Moke

[sbq]

Greetings

I've been an owner of a Moke for almost 10 years but never really learned the full identification of it. (was bought from an auction) so would be grateful for others to share their knowledge. Here the photo:

https://flic.kr/p/2cXQXWg

The #s on the radiator shroud:   018FOB 1M09 18908
The #s on the engine block:  85H387 H133066
No #s under driver seat cross support bar.

https://scontent.fhlz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52594336_10156720906890239_709732067079880704_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fhlz1-1.fna&oh=984d2ed9b337106b3700dbad671ecbbb&oe=5CDCC860

Now i'm quite certain the engine is not original as 85 prefix would indicate as 850cc block. However the head has a tapped thermostat sensor (screw in) with a blank electrical lead on it. I've been told the head could be a 998. My heart tells me the whole engine has been a swap. But the 85 prefix is indeed a # allocated to a Moke ? 

The radiator shroud #s would indicate that it's a 1976 Australian Moke but uncertain if originally came with 998cc or 850cc ?? If it was fitted with an 850cc engine then the current setup is the engine could of just had a head swap to a 998?

I would like to do a rebuild of the engine and gear box as the engine burns oil (worn rings) and pings in top gear (after engine warms up). Long ago I overheated the engine (lost rad fluid) and over time the rings just lost tension. NO way i'm looking for concours quality restoration as it's in pretty good nick. I would be more happy to try put the engine back to original spec as long as it matches the identification.

B

[Terry]

Hi,

the '09' in your body number on the radiator says it came with a 998 from the factory. The engine you have is an English engine and not likely to have graced our shores at all.

Australian Mokes did not come with the 850 as an option so you have some sort of bitsa. Look for a casting number on the head under the rocker, general towards the back between #2 & #3. 12G???

A very neat original looking Moke.

Terry

[Terry]

Hi,

and your serial number on the body suggests it is more likely to be late 1977, not 1976.

Terry