8 replies to this topic

[rhys-89]

I bought a project mini which is nearly ready for its m.o.t when I first started working on it I found the previous owner had lie ally fitted everything finger tight ball joints , driveshafts, steering rack , engine mounts, pedal box, and so on so I have checked the car front to back all seemed well, I have had it running hear n there on my drive for the odd 10 mins but last night ran it for around 30 mins to find I had started to see oil on the floor I found that a 27mm blanking plug to the left of distributor was loose so I have done this up and oil leek stopped. Then I noticed the head gasket has nice new fresh oil very slowly seeping through judging by the previous owners recent past record of bolt tightness,

do u think that the head isn't torqued down ??
If so should I buy my self a torque wrench and tighten everything by there torque setting ?
Also what make torque wrench is adequate and what do you people on hear use ? Thanks for any responses

[jonny f]

Better off changing the head gasket just to be sure. If its had oil seeping through and running down the block.

Any torque wrench from a local tool supplier will be fine. Halfords do reasonable ones. Just make sure its got the right range.

You could risk just tightening it up but i would personally just change the gasket.

[rhys-89]

Is it a major job to take the head off? Just to change the gasket ?

[mini-luke]

You could do it in an afternoon if reasonably competent

[Cooperman]

A precautionary gasket change would be a good idea and it will provide some experience in basic Mini-mechanics.
Get a Haynes Manual for starters as you won't do much without one and it will save your coming back on here numerous times with what will be very basic questions.

[rhys-89]

Cheers I have restored 2 minis and currently on my 3rd which is a mk1 super deluxe but the last 2 have never really involved stripping the main block of the engine down just a general service and ancillaries changes/fixed I'm pretty competent with mechanics as I have had n worked on many other cars just need to find the time to do it

[charie t]

the "27mm blanking plug" is your oil pressure relief valve

Edited by charie t, 09 November 2012 - 12:25 AM.

[BVY]

Go for it. Like Cooperman said it will be good experience. And you will know for sure what condition the engine is in...

Did mine the other dayin about 5 hours...

[rhys-89]

Ye think I best change it will look into doing it soon