7 replies to this topic

[Bradshaw-s]

Hi Guys,

 

I am new to the Mini world & have purchased a 1982 Mini Saloon 998cc 6 months ago - I live in Malta.

The car just will not fire unless I put fuel down the throat of the carb - leads me to believe my timing setup is correct?

Ill try & keep it brief with whats been done & what stage I am at:

 

Primed the oil pump using advice from this forum - have 50 PSI on turning over on starter only

 

Have set static timing to between 5-8 degrees BTDC & using a lamp to set the dwell angle - used the guide on this forum

 

Have checked all valve clearances to 12 thou as its a standard setup

 

HIF38 carb - I have totally stripped & cleaned the carb & installed a new service kit CK78 purchased direct from SU - I followed the procedure to the letter even though I have never done this before - the existing needle was not changed (AEG)

 

Posted a query this morning on how to pipe up the carb - this I have done today

 

****PROBLEMS****

Car refuses to start unless I put a thimble of fuel down the throat - fires for 2-3 seconds then dies - I have removed the carb again today - stripped it down - fuel was present in the reservoir (full) - the float valve is working correctly - no fuel leaking from the overflow.

 

For the 2-3 seconds it did fire - I noticed a small trickle of oil from the head gasket just below cylinder 3 - I checked the Haynes manual & re-torqued the head to 68nm using the correct sequence in Haynes - I got approximately 1/2 - 3/4 turn on each nut - as the engine did not fire fully, would any damage have been done? If not would torquing the head down resolve this issue now or should I replace the head gasket?

 

The problem is I bought this 'Recon' standard 998cc engine from mini enthusiast in UK - top guy (i still hope so)  -he had listed everything he had done,"Engine fully stripped down - Gearbox high pressure clean with degreaser and inspected  - 1st motion pilot bearing changed.

Engine stripped down high pressure degreased bore lightly honed to take of glazing and big end and mains bearings inspected and cleaned pistons cleaned and rings checked for wear. Cylinder head stripped high pressure degreased valve stems checked for wear valve seats re lapped and bores ported to gasket size for better air flow

All rebuilt using new gasket set and head gasket"

 

Everything in the engine bay in brand new - all ancillaries, 2 core rad, dizzy, plugs, leads etc, etc..including a brand new wiring harness - nothing from the old car except top engine stabiliser has been re-used!

 

I am getting very frustrated now & a little sad that I cannot get it to start - I have been very careful with everything I have done & have researched the forum for hours & hours to get my answers before posting - but I am stumped now!

 

Regards

Si

 

 

 

 

[monkey]

Is the fuel in the tank/carb fresh? Have you taken the pipe off the carb and cranked to make sure fuel is coming out? Carb jet isn't blocked?

[Bradshaw-s]

Its a new fuel line, hose & fuel - the car has just been rebuilt only the interior, subframes & bodywork existing - I have rinsed out the fuel tank too.

The carb reservoir is full & the service kit I installed includes a new jet too - it must be delivery from the reservoir?

I just cannot work it out!

[Badboytunes]

Is fuel comming out of the pipe that connects to the carb?

[Bradshaw-s]

Yes - I have place the fuel in hose into a jar & its pumping heaps under pressure - the reservoir on the car was totally full when I re-checked it - 

The suction chamber was smooth - piston dropped nicely with the damper in too.

 

Not 100% on the workings of the SU - but I assume the piston in the chamber rises as the vacuum from the engine increases - this then lifts the needle out of the jet housing allowing fuel into the throat....probably very simplistic view - is that close?

Why does the jet rotate left & right a small distance in the reservoir? - if that rotation was impeded would that cause an issue?

[Carlos W]

Air leak between engine and manifold, or manifold and carb?

[Bradshaw-s]

I have used liquid gasket on all mating surfaces with brand new gaskets too - but that should not stop it from starting & because it starts with fuel being tipped into the throat - this leads me to believe it is something to do with the dashpot/needle or jet - but I have checked these three times over the last 2 days - but as I am not familiar with SU's, it may be staring me in the face & I not know it..... Grrrr lol!

[KernowCooper]

Take the front pipe off nearest you which is the overflow and blow back down through the jet in a rearward flow, engines that run when fuel is poured in the carb usually have a air leak which is why it wont draw its own fuel but runs when you pour it in, or have a blockage in the jet assembly.