10 replies to this topic

[rusty30]

I've recently been having trouble starting the mini. Turns over ok, battery has a good charge, all leads have spark, new coil. Sometimes it will turn over until the battery drains and will not start. Other times it will eventually start. When turning over, though, smoke comes from the air filter?? Any ideas what the issue could be? 1275 mg engine, k&n filter.
Thanks

[lrostoke]

whats it run like once kicked in

 

I'm thinking head gasket going/gone

valves worn

[olds_kool_lews]

Id be leaning towards head gasket too, does the smoke smell like exhaust fumes? (Dont stand there for a long period inhaling it though lol)

[rusty30]

Once started it runs well. Does smell like exhaust fumes though. If it is head gasket, what size of a job am I looking at?

[lrostoke]

couple of hours, one of the easier jobs really.

 

Will need a torque wrench / feeler guages socket set

[rusty30]

Very little mechanical knowledge but I do have a haynes manual and would be willing to have a go. How could I confirm that's the problem?

[jim4eva]

I had a small puff of smoke from the air filter when I changed to electronic ignition... Turned out to be the timing, so had a play around with the distributor and all was well... Might be worth a try

[rusty30]

If the timing was out would I not really notice this when driving it? Although having said that I'm lucky if I have done 50 miles in it over the last 2 months!

[JustSteve]

if it's when you first start it up I'd expect it just to be oil that's leaked from the valves/carb dashpot. If it's running well, i wouldn't bother at all. 

 

You've got to remember that cranking speeds are much slower than running speeds. exhaust gasses aren't being forced out like they would when its running. 

[lrostoke]

he also mentions its a pig to start though..so indicates something not right

 

timing is a possibility plus head gasket we've mentioned

[JustSteve]

what have you changed since it was last okay? 

If it runs okay, once started I'd expect fueling's not an issue...   I'd expect it's ignition related. Although you've got a spark, it might not be good enough. Check the distributor cap first I reckon, probably furred up. A bit of wet'n'dry will sort that, although a new cap would be a good idea for the price they cost. I'd also wack some new plugs in (and check gap to 25thou)