52 replies to this topic

[Sprocket]

After reading this http://www.team.net/...ch/coolant.html and considering the age of your car, Replace the rad.

[77LeylandMini]

that may solve the cooling issue, I am in the works of digging up a rad for her, but what about the way it runs like poo. I am changing the plugs tonite- figure I tried all the hard stuff, now let me smack myself and see if its something simple

[Sprocket]

Thats suspected down to the needle in your carb, try this link ( does not take into consideration a worn out jet)http://www.winsu.co.uk/ but a roller tune will highlight any fueling issues

For a new jet and rebuild kit try here http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=34040 Just check its the right one.

[73MiniSport]

We changed the carb needle last night and the engine is running cooler, still doesn't run or sound as well as it should though. I can't remember what we changed the needle from or to, I'll have 77LeylandMini post it later!

[73MiniSport]

Oh yeah and we replaced the spark plugs

[77LeylandMini]

the carb had a bdj in it i had an ade lying around, used win SU- It is running richer and cooler, but still real lumpy, its like you can hear the exhaust coming out the carb when you goose it. checked the timing as well--- driving me crazy

[maph2]

do all the simple stuff first - bigger rad, fuelling etc. mine still boiled (after all checks) as i approched 70mph. thought it can't be the head gasket - no bubbles in the rad, no mayo in the oil filler cap etc. however, i did the head gasket and now cruises all day/any speed and never gets hot. the head gasket had gone but only slightly, just enough for cylinder pressures to escape into the water jacket and pressurise the cooling system. engine had done less than 30k miles as well.

[Dan]

Exhaust coming out the carb? Does it sound like a VeeDub?

If so then that's a head gasket failed between two cylinders, usually three and four. If you take the air filter off (and the elbow) then can you see charge being blown out the back of the carb body when it's running? That's definitely a head gasket.

[77LeylandMini]

Funny you mention veedub's, yesterday at a light a beetle pulled up next to me and asked if I was running a VW engine . Ordered a new head gasket, should be here tomorrow! WOOHOO! The haynes man. makes it seem pretty simple!....... Is it?

[Leonard]

it takes about an hour and a half to get the head off iff you just takes your time, and remember where everthing goes! it quite easy to do, just make sure you have a torque wrench, and feeler guages for the valve clearances.

[Sprocket]

it takes about an hour and a half to get the head off iff you just takes your time, and remember where everthing goes! it quite easy to do, just make sure you have a torque wrench, and feeler guages for the valve clearances.

It takes me that to take it off and put it back again :smartass: Changed a bent exhaust valve spring (all be it an easy to get to #1 exhaust valve) in 15 minuits without removing the head

[Leonard]

It takes me that to take it off and put it back again :smartass: Changed a bent exhaust valve spring (all be it an easy to get to #1 exhaust valve) in 15 minuits without removing the head

well done you!!! i bet you cant change a head gasket without taking the head off though!!!

[77LeylandMini]

the valves need to be readjusted when refitting the head? I thought they would stay put. the torque on the head bolts is 50# right? Thanks

[Sprocket]

It takes me that to take it off and put it back again :smartass: Changed a bent exhaust valve spring (all be it an easy to get to #1 exhaust valve) in 15 minuits without removing the head

well done you!!! i bet you cant change a head gasket without taking the head off though!!!

Doh! :erm:

[Dan]

The new gasket won't compress to exactly the same amount as the old one so you'll need to adjust the rockers. You do need to lift off the rocker gear as you need to take the push rods out the top of the engine before lifting the head (don't risk trying to pull the head off over them as most of the time they don't clear). You must be very careful when pulling the rushrods that you don't disturb a follower as there's no access to them without stripping the engine on most 1275's.

I did a head gasket a couple of weeks ago. 2 1/2 hours to strip, re-lap and reseat all the valves, change the stem seals, clean and inspect rebuild and refit. It's easy on a Mini. 50 lbft sounds right from memory. Remember to re-torque them after running up to temperature once or the new gasket will only last weeks.