22 replies to this topic

[Macker1]

Hi all,

I have purchased my first mini since I was 18, now 43 lol. The car is a 1980 1098 mini clubman.

My problem is as follows, she is blowing out white smoke when she starts and losing power when taking off, I'm trying to do most of the work myself. What do you think could be the problem and where should I start. I've read through a few post on here and keep seeing valves mentioned. The car is not leaking oil but is spitting oil out the exchust and big clouds of white smoke when starting and changing from 1st to 2nd gear.

Any advice would be appreciated..??

[sonikk4]

Hi and welcome to TMF.

 

Could be several things but i would start with a compression test to see if there are issues there.

 

The loss of power could be attributed to HG failure which will give you other issues like loss of fluids etc. Is there any water loss or serious oil loss.

 

Yes smoke on start up can be worn valve stem seals or worn guides but should not cause a loss in power when taking off.

[phillrulz]

Ive always known smoke on start up as stem seals as oil seeps in from above the head. But see what others say

[Macker1]

I'm going to strip the engine tomorrow, how will I know if it's seals? I have noticed that the engine doesn't warm up alot, I.e the cage only moves a small bit on the dash but never goes to the middle.

[sonikk4]

I'm going to strip the engine tomorrow, how will I know if it's seals? I have noticed that the engine doesn't warm up alot, I.e the cage only moves a small bit on the dash but never goes to the middle.

 

Before you strip it do a compression test as there may be other underlying issues.

[Macker1]

What should the compression be ?

[sonikk4]

160 psi is a good starting point.

 

Warm the engine, all plugs out and do the test with the throttle wide open. The main thing is to see the figures within 10% of each other.

[Macker1]

Thanks I'll reply tomorrow with the result of the test.

[sonikk4]

Thanks I'll reply tomorrow with the result of the test.

 

Do the first test dry, record the figures. The 2nd test add a thimble full of oil down each bore and repeat the test. You are looking to see if the figures rise or stay the same.

 

A large increase in the figures will point to worn piston rings. If the figures stay the same then this can point to worn valves ie the seats not sealing.

[pusb]

Are you sure its oil that its spitting out the back?

 

Soot on start up when mixed with condensation can give the appearance of oil 

[whistler]

As other have said do a compression test. I would also consider changing the thermostat. As it's not warming up much it's possible the stat is stuck open so the engine doesn't come up to working temperature, the oil doesn't get hot enough to burn off naturally occuring condensation inside the engine and the white smoke could be condensate.

[Macker1]

Ok guys, results from compression test.

1. 170 psi dry/ wet 175

2. 160 psi dry / wet 160

3. 170 psi dry /wet 180

4. 175 psi dry / wet 200

What you think guys.

[Macker1]

Thanks I'll reply tomorrow with the result of the test.

Do the first test dry, record the figures. The 2nd test add a thimble full of oil down each bore and repeat the test. You are looking to see if the figures rise or stay the same.

A large increase in the figures will point to worn piston rings. If the figures stay the same then this can point to worn valves ie the seats not sealing.

[Macker1]

Ok, results from compression test.

1. 170 psi dry/ wet 175

2. 160 psi dry / wet 160

3. 170 psi dry /wet 180

4. 175 psi dry / wet 200

What you think guys.

[MiniMadRacer]

4 looks low...Dry to wet but yet its the highest over all which seems odd.... what colour are the plugs after the car has run up to normal temp?

 

Was / is your battery fully charged by the way ?