42 replies to this topic

[Badboytunes]

The price quoted at Guessworks does not include shells, bearings ect..........

[The Matt]

You can't put an exact price on a rebuild until it's stripped down and expected.....but you've probably got to expect:

Crank regrind
Big end shells
Main shells
New oil pump
Cam bearings/camshaft???
Gearbox may not have suffered too much but again it'll need inspecting and any damaged parts replacing. I've never run a Mini engine dry so I've no idea what damage they are susceptible to really.

[The Matt]

I imagine you're in a position where an engine swap is the better option.....but then you're buying a second hand engine/box that may have other problems.

[Mini Cheddars]

That's what I've been thinking. Is it worth buying a secondhand engine/gearbox?

Is it easy enough for an amateur to change the 998 to a 1275 with some online reading and advice from people on here? As I've been wanting a 1275 for a while now.

Or maybe go for a 1275 at a later date and get a 998 again for now.

Either way, I'm gonna have to start saving some money up. Ohhhh what a ball ache this is.

[garrymacmini]

Straight forward engine exchange bud, do some reading it is not difficult to do

[Mini Cheddars]

I think the plan for me at first is to get someone knowledgeable from my club to have a look. There are a few people who have rebuilt engines and done restorations and have space & tools to do the job properly. Would just need to hire an engine crane if needs be.

Then if it's viable enough, replace or repair whatever needs doing.

If not, then I'll hunt for another engine and/or gearbox.

[Mini Cheddars]

I took a short video for you all.



It's an irregular knocking noise like something's broken off inside and is getting pushed around by something.

[Tiny tom]

Time for a vtec ha ha ;) seriously tho hope it's a quick fix :/

[Mini Cheddars]

Time for a vtec ha ha ;) seriously tho hope it's a quick fix :/

Care to fund that for me? Kickstarter?

Me too but I think that's a bit of a pipe dream. On the bright side at least I'll learn a lot from this, and I'm not talking about the lack of oil bit. I mean the fixing/replacing bit that is to come.

Edited by Mini Cheddars, 01 January 2013 - 10:40 AM.

[Shifty]

Have you pulled the rocker cover off yet?

[Badboytunes]

Id say thats your small ends. I could be wrong but the only way to find out is to strip the engine apart.

As for for other q re 998 or 1275, if your in a position to afford/ run a 1275 I would opt for that.

[The Matt]

It actually doesn't sound like a bottom end knock but to be honest camera phone videos always have awfully tinny sounds on them. It's not sounding clunky enough to be big ends.

[Shifty]

Small ends tend to rattle under load though don't they?

I don't think its big end though, it could be a head gasket, did it get hot?

You can usually prolong the life of a knacked engine with some fresh 20/50 and some wynns oil treatment. I ran Poo like this for about 18 months before rebuilding his engine.

[Tamworthbay]

The above posts about not running oil low etc etc are all exactly right, BUT you did it, so no point rubbing your nose in it, what you need is a way out. If it is a standard 998 I wouldn't bother stripping it. Do an oil and filter change, keep a VERY close eye on the oil pressure gauge and watch for a decent 998 to come up in the ads on here or eBay. People are continually upgrading and running 998s don't cost a fortune ( yes I know you can buy trouble etc etc before anyone says, but I am thinking of minimum cost options).
you may even get lucky and find you have done no lasting damage. In the early 90s I was driving a Mk3 escort down to Harwich on my way to work in Holland for a year. The oil light came on, when I stopped the engine was nearly empty of oil due to a leak. I limped a mile to a garage, bought 4 lots of oil and limped the 300 miles to Breda in Holland. I got the seal changed and the mechanic said the engine would be completely scrap but it was still going 30000 miles later when I sold it. But I was lucky, I wouldn't recommend it for an engine. Good luck.

[KernowCooper]

Agreed it does sound light for a big end ?? odd and irregular to ??