17 replies to this topic

[Monkeymuff]

I've had a stinker of a day,I was checking the oil and I rested a rag on top of the engine,stupidly forgot about the rag and started up the engine and now its lodged itself around the timing?? How buggered am I?

[Andrew O]

Easy fix. It's just going to take you ages cutting and turning the engine over (By hand, not on the key)

Andrew.

[Boycie]

As above, nothing to worry about!! Just pick it out :)

[Monkeymuff]

Ok thanks,the engine sounded really rough and had a knocking,only ran for 10 seconds at most would this of done much damage do you think?
Oh and how do I turn the engine over? Remove plugs and just turn the fan belt??
Thanks for the replies guys.

[Boycie]

It shouldn't have done any damage, but check the alternator belt thoroughly.

A rag falling in here on a Mini is not as dangerous as the same happening to a car with an exposed cam belt. In that case, the timing belt can be dislodged, upset the valve timing and bend valves etc. On a Mini, the valve timing is done via a chain, with is totally sealed (and has to be as it is oil-lubricated) so nothing can get in to cause problems. Also, the Mini has a non-interference engine so the valves wouldn't necessarily hit the pistons anyway!

But I digress. Worst case scenario here is realistically, the alternator belt coming off.

Yes, turn the engine over with the plugs out, pulling on the fan carefully or using a spanner on the bottom pulley bolt.

[Monkeymuff]

Boycie and Andrew,many thanks,
I was flapping there for a minute,looks like I have a job for tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Isn't the internet and particularly this forum fabulous,years ago I would of been scratching my head looking at the Haynes,given up and paid a mechanic a weeks wages to do this.

Edited by Monkeymuff, 23 June 2012 - 08:09 PM.

[joewf10]

may i ask why you need to remove plugs ?

[mini-luke]

may i ask why you need to remove plugs ?

Makes it easier to turn over as there's no compression to fight.

[Cooperman]

Slacken the alternator, remove the fan belt, get all the pieces of rag out from the bottom pulley, re-fit the alternator belt and re-tighten it properly.

[Monkeymuff]

may i ask why you need to remove plugs ?

I don't know? I googled it and it said remove plugs

[joewf10]

may i ask why you need to remove plugs ?

Makes it easier to turn over as there's no compression to fight.

thats why it was so hard to turn the fan! DOH

[Monkeymuff]

Slacken the alternator, remove the fan belt, get all the pieces of rag out from the bottom pulley, re-fit the alternator belt and re-tighten it properly.

Cheers Cooperman.

[old original]

...and if you've got room and it's level stick it 4th gear, handbrake off, ignition off, and roll it. It'll turn the engine over quite easily

[Chance]

I just jack one wheel up and turn the engine using the wheel
Just be careful and use and axle stand :)

[6joshh6]

I did this last month, made a right racket I just slackened the alternator and removed it. Quick tip- make sure to only half tighten the bolts till they are all in or it becomes much harder to get all of them on. Other than that it took me 20 mins to do and did nothing to the engine so you can relax.