655 replies to this topic

[bcjames]

The engine isn't running okay. 90k miles, down on power, and the rattle lives on! Time for a rebuild I think, it's just a matter of what direction to go in. Now I know things are wrong, I can't ignore them

[thebullet]

oo! mine is running nicely :) so I have no reason to do anything atm but fit twin carbs hahahaha

Just done 52000 miles since 1983 haha and an an enging strip/ piston clean up and general engine cleanup about 4000 miles ago.

[miniman retford]

_{Pink door cappings might cure it !}

[bcjames]

_{Pink door cappings might cure it !}

Obviously the solution

[MiniLandy]

Considering it's an MPI, a K series engine swap would be much more straightforward

[bcjames]

Nooooo it has to stay a little a-series! MPi's are pretty simple really, getting them in and out is straight forward. I don't want the inevitable headache of an engine swap on my daily drive

[nev_payne]

Considering it's an MPI, a K series engine swap would be much more straightforward

Haha swap rattle and noise for HGF and curious water evaporation and vaccum filling problems! Fun times.

[bcjames]

No engine swaps in my car!

I've bought some wheels for some reason

Edited by bcjames, 18 February 2012 - 04:12 PM.

[bcjames]

Hmm, not sure what the actual idea behind buying these was. Spare wheels, winter tyres, if I fancy a change



Pepperpots by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

Really nice driving her again now she's sort of working. Still no parts ordered for the big fix! As yes undecided, it's a big bunch of money for what feels a small problem. But the compression is escaping in to my crank case



Mini Cooper by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

[MiniLandy]

Cool wheels!

What symptoms have you got then, besides a rattle and loss of power? Have you done a compression test? What's the oil pressure like, if you've got a gauge?

[bcjames]

No oil pressure gauge, but the light doesn't come on

All the little issues seem to come down to a slight lack of power. Being winter, and I work outside, I've been driving with lights, heater, cd player, wipers etc. on, so with that slightly idle issue coupled with the demand, it was making the engine feel like it was running terribly. The idle tweak has certainly helped.

The compression test gave, if I remember correctly, 200 +/- 10. The leak down test showed I am losing past the rings, especially on three and four. That's why I had to reroute the breathers, the engine is just throwing out mucky air from it's breathers.

All the sensors etc check out okay. Normal maintenance has been done, oil, plugs, leads etc. So I'm hoping the engine rebuild will solve that. It's just a matter of how far to take the rebuild!

I do like the Rover Pepperpots on the late Sevens. Made by Speedline too I might slightly decooperise my cooper!

[RawlinsGTR]

Those wheels remind me of the alpha romeo/lambo wheels.

When I did a leak down test on the top end the highest I got was 19% on CLY 4. Lowest I got was 12% CLY1. CYL2 and 3 were about the same at 15% and 14% respectively. I believe a fresh engine gives a nominal 8%...

I also did a pressure test and got 1/2" on the scale.

So overall, it's a pretty healthy MPi :) Did that all when I first got the car, and I've done 3000 miles since. So it's still going pretty well.

Hoping yours gets better after the rebuild!!

Simon.

[bcjames]

Thanks Simon :) It's a bit frustrating really, it still drives well, goes well, and a year ago I would have just left it, but now I know it's a bit tired I really feel compelled to sort it all out.

Naivety can be a good thing at times I suppose

The wheels have a bit of curbing damage, but I might get them sorted. I wasn't sure when I bought them, but everyone I have showed them to seems to like them. They are 4.5in so would go on just as my Minilites come off, if I do it.

[bcjames]

I've been trying to plan what I need to buy to sort out my engine. I've made a list thus far, if anyone would care to look over it that would be greatly appreciated.




Preview of “mini engine spec.xlsx” copy by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

I've realised I am going to have to sort the oil leak myself now. I know I need the seals for the clutch end of the crank, but I don't know what I need there so can anyone advise?

If the rattle is emanating from the drop gears, I'm going to need to replace those too

[bcjames]

Just rereading this on the MInispares site. The gearbox gasket kit:

http://www.minispare...id=36593&title=

States it does not include the clutch oil seal. Would purchasing one of these:

https://www.minispar...ty=pb&pid=35719

see me right as far as gaskets are concerned?