So my Mini had been heard to start recently over the winter when I would start it every month or so to keep things moving. Went to get it out at the start of May and it wouldnt start at all, Discovered the head gasket had gone with the cooling system pressurised and mayo gunk in the rocker cover.
Still wouldnt start,
Checked its getting sparks and drained and replaced the fuel, its getting petrol but still not starting. Timing hasnt been altered.
So bought a compression tester and popped it on today.
Results are I assume poor:
No 1, 100 psi
No 2, 65 psi
No 3, 100 psi
No 4, 95 psi
Gave each a squirt of engine oil to ss if that improved things then checked again:
No 1, 115 psi
No 2, 75 psi
No 3, 110 psi
No 4, 100 psi
So obviously No 2 is significantly worse that the other 3 but is it so bad that the engine shouldnt be starting, even on 3 cylinders running roughly? Is it possible that the replacement head gasket hasnt sealed correctly around No 2?
Can anyone advise what a standard 850 engine in good health should be producing by way of cylinder compression?
Although getting sparks at each plug they dont seem to be the biggest , brightest sparks Ive ever seen so Im wondering if a different coil or points and condensor might improve things?
I realise that this engine isnt performing at its best and the plan will be to do a rebuild in the fullness of time however I dont have much space in my garage for an engine out job at the minute. We're moving house next year when I'll have a large garage / workshop with as much sapace as I'd need and that would be the sensible time to have it done. Id just like to get it running for a little use this summer,
Any ideas or suggestions anyone or am I wasting my time with those readings?
Edited by surfblue, 07 June 2019 - 02:54 PM.