1006 replies to this topic

[thelegg]

That engine is coming along nicely, i dont think id ever have the guts to rebuild one myself, just a quick question though are you not going to plumb your engine breather back into the carburetor ?

[grahama]

Hi,


rebuilding was a really enjoyable part of my project. It's only mechanics so can only go back one way !! Bodywork and spraying presented many more problems !! I have realised after buying the breather for the tappet chest that the tube is required for the carb and have got a new tube for the rebuild, just haven't put it back on yet, but thanks for the observation and recomendation.

Graham

[minimuk]

nice one Graham, few month and mot test time.....

[F1L8EY]

I have spent the last 4 days on and off catching up on this build... great work. an inspiration to the home builders.

i also like the way how when you post photos & people who spot little mistakes point them out... that support and community of mini owners and enthusiasts is half of what i enjoy about minis.

just a thought (not meant in offence) my best mate was a car sprayer, even he said although he could help me do it in my garage, the results of having it sprayed and baked in a proper oven/booth will be second to none. i question if after all the hard work you have put in, if a back garden paint job will do the finish of your mini justice ??

i will follow from now and the best of luck with this great build. if my build goes half as fast and half as well i will be a very happy bunny

Filbey

[grahama]

Hi Filbey,

I agree with you that the assistance from all on here either encouragement or spotting mistakes is second to none and has helped me out more than I can say.

As for the home spray job, well that's another question altogether. On the one hand I would love to have it sprayed and baked, I don't have the cash with an extension to build next year, and I have also always wanted to spray a car myself even though it will be a pain in the a£$e to do on the front !!

I'm sure with plenty of light coats and flatting down will produce an acceptable result before Matthew 'carefully' wraps it round a lamp post

Graham

[Carlos W]

I agree Graham, I just haven't got 1000 quid to spend on a respray!

[Minidarren83]

Me too just can't justify the cost I'm not going for show car just good daily so home spray with lots of flating and polishing is the way to go

[F1L8EY]

i can understand that. well keep up the great work.... im using this as a build guide

[PNL629G]

At last! I too have been reading this on and off for the last few days, and have just finished! What a great read! I think you can be really proud of what you have learned and achieved doing this - it's going to be a cracking, very solid Mini when you've finished. Thanks for posting all your updates!

[grahama]

Thanks fellas, learning all the time but now there is a small light at the end of the tunnel. Engine test time very soon just waiting for some bits and gaskets etc !!

[grahama]

Hi all,

small update again, post Xmas a few bits arrived I have been waiting for, gaskets, pump etc so here is my engine now



Carb has 3 gaskets on which I had forgotten, and is like a sandwich with the component parts. Gasket, spacer, gasket, spring plate, gasket and carb. As seen I used as I have done pretty much everywhere some gasket sealant which is supposed to take up any discrepancies in the mating surfaces of what you are putting together.

A sandwich later it was on



Tubes arrived too so they went on, breather pipe from crankcase to carb and fuel lines and clamps as the old ones were perished. I did have a crank case filter/breather pot on, but was told the pipe allows the crankcase fumes to be burnt up in the combustion mix and therefore not linger around the engine compartment, so it's on, although not happy about the huge pipe !!



Last few bits were the carb float chamber overflow pipe, (I think it is that, the yellow tube), and new water punp with bypass hose. Not sure what the bypass does but it was on before so it is back on.







Nearly ready to fire it up, plumb in the water side, oil in, time and go. Or not as I am dreading !!

regards,

Graham

Edited by grahama, 06 January 2013 - 04:57 PM.

[Andrew O]

That engine is looking superb.
Are you going to put it in the car to fire it up ? Or start it on the bench ?
I hope your son realises how lucky he is

Andrew.

[grahama]

A bench job Andrew. I have saved enough of my original loom to fire it up as it is, but outside lol. Then I can throw it in !!

Graham

[Minidarren83]

It looks fantastic if mine looks anything as good as yours I will be a very happy boy!!. Don't forget before you pour your oil in to put the pot joints back in or the oil will just run back out the bottom you prob know this already but you never know with all the other things to worry about on first fire lol good luck

[grahama]

Ta for that Darren, had completely forgotten that. They are outside on the driveshafts all cable tied up, bugger !! Better to get them off than have oil everywhere tho lol.


Graham