12 replies to this topic

[CBJ805T]

Hi All,

I'm currently stripping down the engine in my 1984 998cc ready for removal, and I'm working my way down the Haynes manual instructions, with its useful comments such as "on later models (if fitted) remove the oil separator breather hose and undo the two retaining bolt"

Which leads to the inevitable questions:

• Is my model a 'later model' given the book runs from 1969 to 2001, what's one of them? and what does it look like?

As I am stripping the engine bay down I'm coming across components that I don't know what they are or what they do. A couple of examples below - can any one shed any light?

No 1 (bottom of pic - oil separator??) It's bolted to the back of the cylinder block and has a hose which is connected to the carb body - just under he dashpot (i've labelled it breather hose in the last pic)



No 2 - its a steel pipe mounted to the cluch housing which has an open end nearest the bottom of the engine and is connected to a flexible hose near the clutch slave cylinder. The flexible hose is connected to the carb float chamber.

open end:


end connected to flexible hose:


carb connection - (middle hose)





Does anyone have a better source of info that Haynes? At time it assumes a bit more knowledge that I have

thanks

Chris

[coopersmate]

Your first picture is of a breather, second one is the petrol over flow pipe,

[stocky]

Your first picture is of a breather, second one is the petrol over flow pipe,

Yep +1 on that :-D

[CBJ805T]

cheers guys - what does the breather do?

[jonny d]

Breather pipe goes to the carb were the toxic fumes from the engine are burnt away

[Old Bob]

Well done - you are doing well to recognise that it is always a good idea to ask when you are unsure of something. The Haynes manuals are good but they often assume knowledge and they are often pretty awful when it comes to re-building something 'Reassemble in the reverse order' being a classic non helpful paragraph in many of their manuals.

Fortunately, mini engines are fairly simple - even if there is little room to work on them - and you will be surprised at how quickly you come to terms with your new challenge.

Bob

[CBJ805T]

Thanks guys. The breather is getting in the way of me removing the exhaust manifold, as I can't get the manifold clear of the studs. Any ideas around this? Can I remove the breather? There is nothing obvious just 1 nut near it in the cylinder block - if I'm honest I don;t want to go unbolting random nuts on the cylinder block



nut near breather...

[Ethel]

You can undo the bolt, there's a thick rubber gasket behind it. Keep it clean though: it's where the cam followers live.

[tone_vvc]

Hi,
I too am taking the engine bay apart for gearbox exchange.
I dont remember the oil separator being that close that i couldnt get the exhaust manifold off.
i did take the breather pipe off the top as mine has a hole in both ends (replacement pipe required i guess?)
Once you have room the carb and the exhuast will come off together, having removed the clutch and accelerator cables.

[nev_payne]

If this car is on the road and just having maintenance, or you intend to get it on the road, it might be advised to have a good check over that front subframe, while you have a good dig round in the engine bay.

Your 3rd pic labelled "end connected to flexible hose:" has a very crusty looking subframe in the background (the bit with what looks like a large rubber doughnut). Always worth checking.

[CBJ805T]

Afraid this mini is in for a full rebuild but I'm hoping the front sub is salvageable otherwise it might be over before it begins.

Managed to get the manifold free but had to loosen the breather a bit.

[tiger99]

On one of mine, probably the 1976 model, the oil trap in the breather system fouled the manifold, so yours is not unusual. Usually when you loosen the tappet chest cover (there are two, one has the breather, the other is blank) the gasket remains stuck to the block, and can be re-used. Don't over-tighten the bolt when replacing it, or the cover will collapse.

Please don't give up on the car if your front subby turns out to be trash. Good used ones are available, and are easier to swap than many other things that are likely to need attention.

[Rocan]

Quick reminder: it is a really good idea at this time to completely clean and degrease the motor, or at least the ares within a small perimeter of the place you are working, in order to help prevent anything nasty getting in. and if the subframe needs inspection/work/replacement, then make your life a whole lot easier by removing the front subframe completely. it will give you total access to the motor and suspension parts. also, you're going to do it eventually if you plan to do any painting, which you will.