9 replies to this topic

[chrispage118]

Hi there,
I have a 1985 Austin Mini Mayfair 998, all standard engine wise, I've owned it about 2 years now and know my way around the engine without too much of a struggle, I was driving it around all day about a week ago and realised it started to get quite noisy ( tappety) then I was driving along a dual carriageway when I went to accelerate and then there was a slight bang, and it sounded like someone had just got loads of spanners and chucked them in the bottom of the engine. Then it cut out, I pulled over and checked the engine over, there was no visual damage, then I noticed there was a slight amount of steam/smoke being blown out the flywheel casing through the threaded holes at the front of the casing, I tried to start it again and it started but just cut out and the engine shook it self quite abut when it started. All the mounts are fine and didn't move before, I also have checked the timing, the head, head gasket, the car had plenty of oil and water. I have searched all over the Internet for answers but no one seems to have this problem? Can someone please tell me what is wrong!!!!!?
Cheers Chris
P.s the engine still turns over fine by hand.

[Alex_B]

Chances are the head gasket has gone, you can buy a compression tester from hellfrauds for about £20, thats the first port of call and go from there :) 

[Cooperman]

If it made ominous sounds, first of all take the head off. Check the top end of the engine, including the head gasket. if nothing is found you will need to take the engine out, strip if off the gearbox and take it to pieces to find the problem.

It could be one of many things.

[bpirie1000]

Possibly a push rod snapped... Take rocker cover off then look see if the tappers move..(rock it in gear)

[chrispage118]

Head gaskets fine I took the head off. My mate said it sounds the big end bearings gone? But is there anyway of checking it without stripping it? Could it be the idle gear or would this not stop the engine from running? Would it just be easier to swap a 1275 in?

[chrispage118]

All the rockers and everything on the head or to do with the heads fine

[Cooperman]

If it's not a top end problem it could be:

 

Cam follower broken up

Big end shell(s)

Timing chain or tensioner broken

Broken crankshaft (I've seen a Mini drive with a broken crank, but it made a hell of a noise!).

Loose flywheel

Bent push rod

Broken piston ring(s)

 

You'll not know until it's in pieces on the bench.

[bpirie1000]

Get stripping and if you have a 1275 then chuck that in till its stripped.. Learning curve.....

[chrispage118]

Don't have a 1275 but I think I'm now getting one

[chrispage118]

Any good places to get one? That's around east Anglia?