10 replies to this topic

[CedricTheMini]

Hi,

 

I have a 1986 mini that I purchased recently.

 

I recently had an issue with a split in the exhaust manifold gasket which also split a pipe taking recirculating the air into the carburettor.

 

I have rectified both these problems but I still seem to be down on power, especially at initial acceleration as you change gear, there is almost a pause/lag before any pick up. The idle has also become lumpy (du du du du) rather than smooth as it was before and it would also seem there is a misfire or similar especially when the choke is out. I also find when the engine is cold I can make it stall just by pressing the accelerator, its just coughs and dies.

 

Is this likely just a blocked filter somewhere due to the previous issue maybe and therefore not burning the fuel cleanly or likely something more serious? Has anyone experienced a similar problem before?

 

Just trying to narrow down the options before I start tinkering at the weekend.

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer 

 

[carbon]

Might be an air leak via manifold gasket going into inlet manifold?

 

Are all of the manifold nuts well tight?

[ukcooper]

take it a exhaust place and tell them you think it blowing and can you have a quote please,aee what they say ans fit ya self, or minis ae not a quick car as standard.

[minimans]

You really need to do a basic health check before messing around too much. First off a compression and leak down test will tell if you have a bigger problem than just tuning. 2nd a basic tune up, check plugs wires cap rotor etc. then start to look at the carb. for problems. None of this will result in unnecessary expense for parts not needed just a bit of time.

[CedricTheMini]

Might be an air leak via manifold gasket going into inlet manifold?

 

Are all of the manifold nuts well tight?

 

They should be as just fitted a new one given the old one wasnt fitted correctly, which then leaked and burnt through the pipe in the first place, Will double check them for sure. Thanks

[CedricTheMini]

take it a exhaust place and tell them you think it blowing and can you have a quote please,aee what they say ans fit ya self, or minis ae not a quick car as standard.

 

thanks for the tip, will certainly run it down to a garage if I doesn't fix it this weekend. and i know they arent quick (but we love them) but it was pulling a lot better before  . thought i had fixed the problem but welcoming any tips as to where i still might need to delve.

[Jml643]

Firstly check the carb dashpot for oil. Use your normal engine  oil. Check the points gap is roughly right. If the timing is off the engine will bog down and hesitate as well.  Is the misfire regular like one cylinder or does it sound random like the whole engine is shutting down? 

If it is regular it is probably  a plug, lead, distributor cap or loss of compression in one cylinder.

[CedricTheMini]

thanks for your help everyone. have had a crack at most of these given what I have access to in the garage and its certainly improved. so will keep at it, any other ideas welcome

[Jml643]

When you're driving along and you put your foot down does it respond better if you pull the choke. If it does the mixture is going weak  - most likely either from mixture being set too weak on adjuster nut or a problem with the dashpot assembly on top of the carb. If it is something you can do take off the dashpot (3 screws) and clean out with rag and petrol or carb cleaner. The piston in the middle should move up and down without sticking.  Be careful not to drop any of the assembly. 

[Jml643]

Forgot to ask. Is this a relatively standard engine? 998?

[CedricTheMini]

yes it is a standard 998, got the mark 2 inlet manifold with the servo pipes (unconnected as no servo on the car) but yeah outside that pretty standard.

 

thanks everyone for the help, I've taken it down to Paul at Minicraft in Kingswood who sorted it in half an hour, saving me much head scratching and money in the process. will continue to work through the advice on here but we are back to 90% now atleast! i.e its fun to drive again :)