50 replies to this topic

[M0U5EY]

Hi guys,

It fills me with a heavy heart to have to write this but if it has to be done then it has to be done. The long and short of it is that my engine block needs replacing as there is something wrong with it big time (overheating with just re-done heads and cooling system indicating half temperature). At this point, I just want it to work (happens to have a history with not working all the time) and I think a new block is a way to go. This isn't my call (parents calling the shots here) and they understand the costs available. The reason I have come here is to ask for my options, it's originally a 1275 1998 MPI and I am wondering what my options are for replacement, the cost is a slight consideration but the main factor here is reliability. I am 19 so severe modification is probably out of the question due to the issues of ensuring the thing. I have just got the news so am still a little flustered but If any of you could suggest any options that I could then work through to decide the best that would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Merryck]

Have you checked the core plugs? I just had this issue on my 1275 Midget. One of the core plugs had a pinhole in it, which when the system was pressurising (even slightly) would allow it to leak causing overheating. Only took a couple of short drives for it to get to the point it would overheat.

 

Only noticed when the plug finally gave and it all poured out on the ring road in Canterbury!

[Dusky]

Probably just an airlock. Nothing on these cars is dramatic.

[grizzler73]

I all depends on how much you want to spend. First step is to take it to a Mini specialist and get it looked over, It may not be a bad as you think. No point doing anything till you know what is actually wrong. The best approach is not to panic and get it checked properly. Good luck!

[M0U5EY]

Have you checked the core plugs? I just had this issue on my 1275 Midget. One of the core plugs had a pinhole in it, which when the system was pressurising (even slightly) would allow it to leak causing overheating. Only took a couple of short drives for it to get to the point it would overheat.

 

Only noticed when the plug finally gave and it all poured out on the ring road in Canterbury!

Is this something that I could do myself?

I do have some mechanical experience but very limited tools at the minute, literally really basic stuff like ratchets, spanners, and screwdrivers, note no jack stands.... If not, is it a big job for a mechanic to check?

Thanks

[M0U5EY]

I all depends on how much you want to spend. First step is to take it to a Mini specialist and get it looked over, It may not be a bad as you think. No point doing anything till you know what is actually wrong. The best approach is not to panic and get it checked properly. Good luck!

Does sound like the right idea, it has been to a good mechanic near us but there is a mini specialist near us but not the one we usually go to, not the most trust worthy bloke.... Do you have any idea of approximate prices of the best options? probably up to 4k?

[M0U5EY]

having done some looking around, having gotten a second opinion at a specialist and the block does need replacing, would this be a good idea?

 

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

[matt050990]

Where abouts in Kent are you mate?
Josh down in Ashford is spot on for any works to be done and could give it the once over to check it out before you spend a fortune on it?

[Merryck]

The would work, yeah, but it's the nuclear option. Definitely take it to someone who knows what they're doing. As Matt says above, Josh is near Ashford, I've always found him to be good to deal with. If you're near Medway then there's ML Motorsport near Rochester.

 

When you say it's overheating, how do you know it's overheating when the cooling system indicated half temp? What's it doing?

 

The issue with spending that kind of money on it is if it doesn't work (and it may not) you're £1500 in the hole and you're going to be pretty stuck as you'll have sunk all your funds into the wrong fix.

 

Whereabouts are you?

[M0U5EY]

Hi guys, thanks for the help, I am located near Kings Hill/Tonbridge, the closest specialist being Palmer Works S but many of you seem to be recommending the guy in Ashford which could be worth the trip for. Whats happening (As I'm told by the mechanic) Is he took it for a short drive having just done the head (skimmed, new gasket etc) and it boils over while the thermostat is still reading half temp which is normal for the car. Having had a quick look in there myself, there seems to be water on top of the left drive shaft but I'm not sure if that is from the boiling over or a core plug or a cracked block (what the mechanic reckons)

Thanks again guys

[Merryck]

No core plugs round there, but how many times has it overheated? Is the mechanic you gave it to competent with classics?

 

 

 

What was replaced specifically in the cooling system? Was it doing this prior to the head skim etc.? Was that the reason for the skim?

[M0U5EY]

The reason it is there in the first place is on my way to wales, around the 75th mile of the M4 it decided to drop down to 3 cylinders which I didn't immediately notice but I immediately pulled off the next junction (probably 5 mins later) and while there it overheated, steam out the bonnet. I then limped it to a petrol garage and the AA came out (get it for free) and got it running on 4 from cleaning the plug out. He then ran a number of other tests, compression etc and confirmed it was head gasket so it was towed all the way back and taken to out mechanic. There it was taken apart, skimmed (warped badly apparently) and had a new gasket etc. He's a general mechanic I believe but haven't had any issues in the past and seems to be more than competent.

[Merryck]

Ok, and prior to that it didn't have any issues with overheating? Did the gasket go between two cylinders or between a cylinder and the water jacket?

 

I just had an issue on a land rover where the head gasket allowed the engine to pressurise the water system - blowing a nice hole in the radiator. When systems like this do things they're not meant to (hold compression pressure rather than water pressure) things tend to break.

 

Before you buy a new block I would do the following;

 

- Check the radiator for any damage. This is your main point of cooling, so it's important. It may well have a leak.

- Check all the hoses are put on correctly - even a competent mechanic makes mistakes sometimes.

- Check the water pump isn't leaking (because you saw water in that vicinity).

- Check to make sure the block isn't cracked. It may have cracked when the head went and it overheated. Block is written off.

- Check the fan is on the right way round. Not sure why he'd have taken it off, but bigger mistakes have been made!

 

If you were to buy and fit a new water pump, radiator and full set of pipes you'd be a lot less in the hole than a new block, and if it turns out it's none of those then the rad can be sold on and the other parts kept for when you need them.

 

Also, start the car with the bonnet open and watch it get up to temp, then watch it overheat. You may well spot the problem that way.

[Merryck]

Probably just an airlock. Nothing on these cars is dramatic.

 

Also this!

[racingbob]

my mate got hold of a 1275 mpi engine complete 3 years ago for 800 13000 miles only from new