4 replies to this topic

[Yoda]

Has anyone experienced the valve stem seals popping up on the stems and allowing oil to enter the head, thus causing smoke issues from the exhaust?

The story so far!

On initial start up from a fresh built turbo engine, after about ten to fifteen minutes we noticed a large amount of smoke from the exhaust. Way too much for build lubrication burn off. After investigation, we found around six stem seals had lifted. The head is from a Californian anti smog spec engine but basically no different from the normal 12G940. the exhaust valve stems are 8mm and the valves have been fitted with double springs. we removed the head and replaced all the seals and rebuilt and tested. all seemed fine but after about half hour of driving with only around 2 psi holding boost, the smoke started up again. next morning we took the rocker cover off and found a few seals had lifted again. I will have to check if it is just on the exhaust valves, but our suspicion is with the fact that the seals are too tight on the exhaust valve stems or maybe the inner springs are picking up and lifting the seals.

Can we get correct seals for the 8mm stems, and maybe we should remove the inner springs too.

Any comments would be very welcome. A lot of money has been spent so far and the car is currently undriveable in its present state.

[jackmason]

A Member of my Mini club had exactly the same problem, cant find his thread on turbo minis anywhere (although there are others who had the same issue). You can get Valve stem seals for a turbo from MRA Minis LINK HERE

[Yoda]

Thanks, we have taken the head off and used another at the moment but with slightly higher compression as a temporary measure while we get the head reworked. In theory with new guides and valves, we wont need the exhaust seals anyway and just put those good ones on the inlets. MRA's website is not working as a shop at the moment because I think Martin has "officially" closed the business. I can still call and order stuff as far as i know though so no problem there.

[jackmason]

Ahh i see, There websites been like that for months, i ordered something from them ages ago and paid by paypal although it did take ages for it to arrive. (Problems with Royal Mail i think)

That was the first site i found on google so they may be available from somewhere else if you have a looksy.

[Yoda]

There are other suppliers and i am in the motor trade, so i should be able to source them locally!