8 replies to this topic

[kami]

Model: Mini 1275 A+
Age : 1983
Description of problem: Drove the car for the first time today and not overly impressed with the performance from the 1275 unit. Having owned a 1275 mini before, I'm a little worried that the engine may be goosed.b]

Car has a Metro 1275 Engine fitted
So... What are my options? I've a budget of £300

1.Find a replacement running 1275 A+ (or A series)? I'm having difficulty finding one ATM.

2.Replace the rings and see how it goes? Does this improve anything?

3. Get an overbore - Im thinking this option if I can't get a whole engine. Can I get an overbore done and still run standard head and cams etc???? It's not a race car for me, so I'm not bothered about BHP gains. I just want it to run and perform as a1275 engine should.

4. Other suggestions welcome.

Edited by kami, 29 March 2011 - 05:16 PM.

[PhilipGCaldwell]

getting an ovebore and buying new pistons etc etc would prob cost more than £300

prob worth sourcing a decent 998 lump as they are pretty cheap (i got my last one on ebay for £34) use this engine while u have the other 1275 checked out
strip the 1275 engine and getting a reputable engine workshop to give it a good once over to see if its possible to just hone the bores and rering the original piston

[kami]

getting an ovebore and buying new pistons etc etc would prob cost more than £300

prob worth sourcing a decent 998 lump as they are pretty cheap (i got my last one on ebay for £34) use this engine while u have the other 1275 checked out
strip the 1275 engine and getting a reputable engine workshop to give it a good once over to see if its possible to just hone the bores and rering the original piston

I guessed it would mate LOL, I've been offered a decent 1275 block for free but it's an A series block. Is there any compatability issues with using the A+ head and gearbox etc with this? At least in the short term?

[liirge]

getting an ovebore and buying new pistons etc etc would prob cost more than £300

prob worth sourcing a decent 998 lump as they are pretty cheap (i got my last one on ebay for £34) use this engine while u have the other 1275 checked out
strip the 1275 engine and getting a reputable engine workshop to give it a good once over to see if its possible to just hone the bores and rering the original piston

I guessed it would mate LOL, I've been offered a decent 1275 block for free but it's an A series block. Is there any compatability issues with using the A+ head and gearbox etc with this? At least in the short term?

Yes the Idler bearings are different! The A series uses a smaller diameter idler gear shaft than the A+ you cannot mix the gear box and transfer houses between A and A+, they both have to be the same, ideally A+.

[kami]

Ah, Thanks! My experience of building mini engines is limited, thats why I'm asking questions. Thanks for answering my question.

I guess I'll be looking for a straight swap.

thanks

[AndyMiniMad.]

When you say blowing blue smoke do you mean all the time or just when you back off the throtle? Could be something as simple as stem seals. But as you have said its down on power its more likely to be worn rings. A rebuild is on the cards by the sounds of things. £300 should just about cover a rebuild with new rings and a check over of the bores.

[kami]

Yeh bud, it's down on power for sure, it's blowing blue smoke constant. I'm gonna take the head off it this weekend and take a look at it. It's been sat for 2 years, so could be sticky valves or stem seals as you say! Further investigation required I think.

Quick question again, if the bores are fine, will new rings cure the problem?

Thanks for your help everyone.

[Dan]

Your questions can't be answered further until you actually know what's wrong with it. It could just be a head gasket. If the bores are fine then why would the rings not be sealing any more? If they have worn out, the bores will be worn too as they are softer. If the rings have lost their temper then there could be all kinds of things wrong because it points to massive overheating. If a ring or rings have cracked then there will almost certainly be bore damage too. You need to find out what's wrong before you can decide how to fitx it. In my experience though failed or cracked rings generally produce huge volumes of white / blue smoke under heavy load rather than just continuously.

Yes the Idler bearings are different! The A series uses a smaller diameter idler gear shaft than the A+ you cannot mix the gear box and transfer houses between A and A+, they both have to be the same, ideally A+.

That's got nothing to do with the block though. Providing the trasfer chest and gear case match you can fit any engine on top of them. The idler doesn't run in the block.

[kami]

Yeh definitely need to investigate before deciding what to do, could be any number of things. I've sourced a cheap 1275 to use just now. I may use the current one for an overbore further down the line and do something special with it. But for now, my aim is just to get it running hassle free, so it's old engine out, and new one in!