8 replies to this topic

[Paintmonkey]

Hi again,
Following on from all the comments and advice I recieved yesterday, I've down a compression test!
Working from the radiator towards the clutch end of the engine, the readings were
11 bar 11 bar 12 bar 12 bar.
Went back down the Mini garage who said this didn't really show anything but are still convinced its the head gasket gasket!!

So I'm now the proud owner of a new head gasket, heater valve, thermostat, by pass hose and water pump and all the other gaskets needed to do the head!!!
Figured if I'm taking the head off I may as replace the pump, by pass hose, thermostat, and heater valve at the same time. Hopefully this way, whatever the problem actually is, I may fix by chance.

Planning on doing it Saturday morning.
So if everything goes according to plan Stinkin' Codfish should be ready to go to Himley Hall on Sunday!!!!! (Yeah I know theres gonna problems!!)
If you see him on the car park stop by and say hi!!
He's easy to recognise......1980 Clubman Estate, Black & Silver Revolution wheels, Sprayed in Jaguar Indigo Blue and he's got a big sticker on one of the rear windows saying Stinkin' Codfish!!!!
Cheers guys & gals!
Rich

[Pooky]

Good Luck!

[Paintmonkey]

Good Luck!

Thanks!
Knowing the way Codfish seems to try and self destruct everytime I use him, I'm sure I'm gonna need a whole heap of good luck!!!

[mini_mad69]

Good Luck!

Thanks!
Knowing the way Codfish seems to try and self destruct everytime I use him, I'm sure I'm gonna need a whole heap of good luck!!!

And tools for any possible circumstance I reackon.
+
oil
water
jump leads

RAC/AA card (when you give up)

[Paintmonkey]

Good Luck!

Thanks!
Knowing the way Codfish seems to try and self destruct everytime I use him, I'm sure I'm gonna need a whole heap of good luck!!!

And tools for any possible circumstance I reackon.
+
oil
water
jump leads

RAC/AA card (when you give up)

lmao!
Got boxes & boxes full of tools....its working out which end of the screwdrivers and spanners I should hold that's the problem!!
Don't worry, I'd joined the RAC before Codfish even went back on the road!!!

[MRA]

All that extra weight could damage your suspension, so you had best take along some new cones and donuts..... readius arms etc etc.....

[Paintmonkey]

Yeah, ok I get the idea!!!
Got adjustable suspension, so I've jacked it up ready!! lmao

Fitted new head gasket, water pump, by pass hose, heater valve, an 82C thermostat!!
Engine got up to temp then the thermostat opened, water flowed thru the radiator and the temp dropped slighty!! Turned extra fan on and the temp dropped a little bit more!!
Most people wouldn't be impressed by this, but it was enough to have me doing a little jig round the garage!!!!

Now as long we don't get torrential rain tomorrow, I'm feeling brave enough (or stupid enough!) to take Codfish to Himley!!
Hope to see some of you there!!
Rich

[MRA]

did you get to Himley ??

Regards Martin

[Paintmonkey]

Hi.
After many back straining hours working on the car on Saturday, we did indeed manage to get Codfish to Himley.
He didn't overheat even though we got stuck in the infamous traffic jam for 45 minutes!!!
Parked up, thought I'd open bonnet and have a look after it had cooled down. Had a wander round, came back for a picnic and opened the bonnet!!
I figure when I topped up the water on Sunday morning I must have left the cap off!!!!! (I was rushing!)
So if your mini is overheating, you could always just leave the cap off. I'd hardly lost any water at all.
Bought an 82C rad cap, fitted it and drove home no probs!
So still don't know if it was the head gasket or thermostat!!
Thanks for all the advice though!!!
You all know I'll be back as I've still got the stripped out Elf to rebuild!!
Cheers
Rich