217 replies to this topic

[jameslearwood]

As some people might be aware i've started stripping down my 1275cc engine out of a 1993 Mini Rio.

Why oh why am i oing this; Basically i had engine slap and related problems so guessing i have a piston ring damaged somewhere.

So far i've had a chew on with the flywheel removal by not using the thrust plate provided with the puller and by taking out the nuts attaching the flywheel and clutch assembly together.

I managed to get hold of a crank tap courtesy of a rental from guessworks so crank thread is sorted again

Biggest chew on is calling crank the camshaft and not being able to get my head around the internal parts so apologies in advance if it goes a bit confusing.

Where i am at now: The block is pretty much stripped just waiting on some sockets to remove the fan belt pulley.

[Carlos W]

Take step by step photos, they may help you!

Also, label parts!

Good luck, and well done for giving it a go

[PhilipGCaldwell]

as above, take photos and label EVERYTHING ie; which pistons came out which bore, which bearing cap goes on which conrod etc, even label bolts as there are a number of different threads used throughout the mini and it can be confusing!

[jameslearwood]

LULU entering the garage http://i961.photobuc...wn/IMG_0102.jpg

Head valve photo http://i961.photobuc...wn/IMG_0210.jpg

Transmission photo http://i961.photobuc...wn/IMG_0204.jpg

Crank in engine photo http://i961.photobuc...wn/IMG_0203.jpg

[PhilipGCaldwell]

I wish I had a garage

[jameslearwood]

yeah im trying my best to take photos and keep everything in sections for each part their will still be something i cant remember.

i do have few questions think it will be easier keeping it on the project thread as it is just general thoughts and confusion.

1. Is it necessary to remove the crank to remove pistons or rather is it worth it? (i think i will do it anyway)
2. i serviced the head last year any chance of looking at valve photo and advising if they look okay don't need replacing thinking about leaving them alone.
3. i know there is some good posts on cleaning engine bays. but what best way to sand off external paint work did a botch paint job all blistered so want to start from scratch.
4. TRANSMISSION looks very scary with cogs matching is it necessary to do anything in here looks in good condition see photo i do need to clean the outside and bits of gasket away if i cling film inside will that be okay. is it worth taking gearbox off?

not looked up anything on transimission so just after a heads up on what i should be looking into.

[jameslearwood]

I wish I had a garage

Spent longer clearing my dads crap out and preping the garage than on the car went of the road in summer lol but glad i have it now

[jameslearwood]

Faults i've spotted so far.

head gasket blown between 2&3 pistons (last year was between 1&4.)
spark plugs (year old) still pretty good slight oiling on 2&3 but not too bad.
manifold gasket looks spot on however centre exhaust and one of the intake points gasket was damaged slightly on inside may be just from removal though.
Oil breather think im right with this name on the clutch housing was full of yellow gunk could be from me cleaning out and not drying properly probably replace with a shiny one.

other question which part of the clutch takes the wear and i should be checking should it be replaced whilst its out?

[PhilipGCaldwell]

yeah im trying my best to take photos and keep everything in sections for each part their will still be something i cant remember.

i do have few questions think it will be easier keeping it on the project thread as it is just general thoughts and confusion.

1. Is it necessary to remove the crank to remove pistons or rather is it worth it? (i think i will do it anyway)
2. i serviced the head last year any chance of looking at valve photo and advising if they look okay don't need replacing thinking about leaving them alone.
3. i know there is some good posts on cleaning engine bays. but what best way to sand off external paint work did a botch paint job all blistered so want to start from scratch.
4. TRANSMISSION looks very scary with cogs matching is it necessary to do anything in here looks in good condition see photo i do need to clean the outside and bits of gasket away if i cling film inside will that be okay. is it worth taking gearbox off?

not looked up anything on transimission so just after a heads up on what i should be looking into.

1)you can take the pistons out and leave the crank in, just remove the caps off the conrod and push them out with the butt of a hammer or similar, however, if you have it all stripped down like this its advisory to take the crank out and get it checked out and replace the bearings

2)the only way of knowing is to strip it and inspect the valve seats, the chambers look ok, a bit coked up but easily cleaned

3)random orbit sander and lots of elbow grease

4)Not my strong point transmission, when I did my rebuild I used the original box that I knew was working fine, didnt have the funds for a rebuild at the time

[PhilipGCaldwell]

the clutch plate is the part that wears down its between the flywheel and the backplate, its advisable to change it wilst its stripped

[Artful Dodger]

your Q no. 1. no you dont have to remove the crank to take the pistons out. you have to remove the conrods first to remove the crank so it is extra work. the conrods have the multi spline bolts on them. undo, remove end, knock through using an end of a hammer, taking care not to knock the piston on the cylinder wall. if you are worried about the crank you can remove it. its not hard and you should replace shells if you do.

[jameslearwood]

Right okay

thank you for such prompt replies.

Will just take the crank out and check it over properly replacing bearings.
Was thinking about just sanding it down just wanted to check there wasn't some other ingenious way.
Guess ill strip the valves down was trying to avoid it but may as well.

Just getting shopping list sorted then really want to leave the transmission unless there is something essential that i should check or replace

cheers for the help will keep posting as i go may as well do the head while i wait on the sockets for the fan pulley.

[AndyMiniMad.]

If you are going to remove the valves...I would get some "fine" valve grinding paste and lapping tool..basicly a stick with little suction cups.. Give everything a real good clean and then lap them back in...you are looking for a light grey line around the valve and seat...





make sure you dont get the valves mixed up!! I marked each one with tipex..

[jameslearwood]

Cheers Andy I've done the head valves before but good photos mine aren't as good as that new goal.

So new sockets from abbey tools arrived got pulley and timing chain off no problem.

Cam is out but did a noobie error again. All my tappets are mixed up? Is this an issue for rebuild?

Pistons came out no major damage just some slight ridges noticeable when running finger nail across on crank. Rings aren't damaged just worn will post pictures soonish.

Weird thing one of the shells in piston had slipped into the other side of the cap fairly confident this wasn't on removal. I took shells out and tried to put them back in on same side and couldn't do it so a bit confused. Can this happen?

[AndyMiniMad.]

You will be fitting new followers anyway (I hope), so dont worry about the old ones being mixed up. Any ridges on the crank journels will mean a regrind and new bearings. The shell bearings should not slip as they have locating lugs that lock into the caps..sounds like trouble if this happened outwith the stripdown...but its more likely they popped out as you were removing the caps..

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 16 December 2011 - 06:44 PM.