23 replies to this topic

[jacobtomos]

Hi all,

 

Took the mini (1988, 1275 engine, electric ignition) out last Sunday, drove and parked up, but when I came back a couple of hours later the car would start and run (she got me home) but sounded as though I had a lawn mower engine/tractor/harley engine in there! Loss of power too. No bang, nothing else. Just got back and the noise started.  

 

I had a look at the engine but couldn't see anything obviously wrong, HT leads all attached etc. No funny white stuff under filler cap or anything either. 

 

I suppose the first port of call is to change the spark plugs but I've just started at uni in Exeter and have no tools with me.

 

If anyone has an idea of what might be wrong or can lend a hand I'd be really grateful!

 

 

[Grimshaw17]

Might not be the same but by carb decided to stick the other week, had the same result of sounding like a tractor. Has it got oil in the dash-pot? 

[Shifty]

Head gasket!!

[jacobtomos]

Is this what happens when a head gasket goes? Wouldn't I get 'mayonnaise' under the filler cap?  

 

I have no way of finding out either unless I take it to a garage. I topped the dash oil up but that didn't work. I really want to change the spark plugs but can't even do that! I think it's going to be a garage job by the looks of things. Oh joy.

[Nick Warwick]

Now is the time to learn how 

 

Do you have any tools?

 

Learning could save you loads of money

[jacobtomos]

I've got tools at home 100 miles away. I've done bits before, mainly suspension (bearings, ball joints that sort of thing). I have literally nothing here with me I know if I take it in I'll get charged £50 for them to change a set of spark plugs and then that won't be the problem... 

[Nick Warwick]

Check basic things like the dizzy cap and coil connections as you don't need any tools

[lrostoke]

was it raining, could just be simple damp, but failing that head gasket would be next guess

[Teapot]

Huey sounded like that when his exhaust fell off.

However, I go with head gasket for the moment.

Long shot, try Exeter Mini Club http://chrisalewis.w...niclub#!contact although I'm not sure if they're still operating.

Devon Mini Cafe meets this Sunday (27th) if you can stagger over there we could all put our heads together perhaps

Link in my sig.

 

 

 

 

[yeti21586]

thats exactly like how my head gasket failed

[jacobtomos]

cheers guys, I'll see if I can borrow some tools first just to make sure it's not ignition related.

 

I can get my Haynes and other stuff by the weekend if I need to change the head gasket, which seems likely form what you're all saying. 

[Stu.]

If its the head gasket you will need a torque wrench and sockets, plug spanner, feeler gauges, flat head driver, scraper, spanners, wire brush, new head gasket and rocker cover gasket (obviously). Hope I've not missed anything out

 

I did mine a few weeks ago and followed Haynes without any trouble. I bet you would save a packet doing it yourself, as well as the satisfaction of learning

[MiniMonty]

Does sound like a head gasket.

 

You could try finding a classic garage and spilling the beans to them about how you'd like to do it yourself, are away from home etc - could they offer any help?

 

You might end up making friends with the mechanic there (a good idea if you're going to be at uni with a mini for a while) and he might either

help you out or let you use a few tools. 

 

Just an idea.

 

PS - if you do the head gasket don't forget to check and adjust the valve clearances - very often forgotten and can make a big difference.

[jacobtomos]

Right, I've replaced the sparks and it's still rubbish so it's onto the next stage which I guess is doing a compression test. Looks like another trip to the tool shop!

 

Is there anything else it could be? I've got no white smoke, no overheating, no loss of coolant and no stuff in the filler cap. Does that mean it could've gone at a place where water and oil etc. can't mix? 

[lrostoke]

If you look at the gap between each of the bores, if the gasket goes there no oil or water mixes