8 replies to this topic

[Bradshaw-s]

Hi Guys,

 

I have never had a mini before or taken the head off any car so bear with me!!

 

A+ 1989 Metro engine - 998cc - Stage One - LCB 2"

 

I just purchased a recon/rebuilt engine from the UK (I live in Malta now) - blew the head gasket on first start up.

Have ordered a new Payen gasket - have just removed the head and need some advice as to whether to replace the head or get it re worked - not happy with the 2nd option as its hard to find anyone on the island who can either carry out or RELIABLY do the work!

 

Pictures - left to right:

Pic 1 - this is the head after I cleaned it up with acetone & plastic type scourer  - Cylinder 1 on right - (Cylinder 2 with the pitting) - Cylinder 4 far left

Pic 2 - head at another angle - same orientation as above

pic 3  - cylinders 1 

pic 4 - cylinders 2

pic 5 - cylinders 3

pic 6 - cylinders 4

 

Problem I have is that its hard to get anything on the island without ordering - valves, springs etc...I am not geared up either with spring compressors so I really need a definitive answer as to:

1. whether I can just use still use this head as is with a new gasket & it should be fine.... )

2. Whether it needs skimming - if so whats the price I should be paying if in UK

3. Whether it needs totally reworking including cutting new valve seats etc... if so whats the price I should be paying if in UK

4. Just buy a reworked/new/refurbed one - anyone got one for sale?? ;o)

 

I have checked the head is not warped by using a straight edge metal ruler - everything seems straight & true - but I am worried about the pitting on cylinder 2 & the discolouration on other parts of the head as they won't come off with acetone or carb cleaner.

I am not sure what is acceptable & what isn't....& more importantly what to replace it with...so many types!!!

 

Regards

Si

Attached Files

•  Head2.jpg   65.45K   25 downloads
•  Head3.jpg   86.78K   34 downloads
•  Cyl1.jpg   37.25K   21 downloads
•  Cyl2.jpg   49.15K   45 downloads
•  Cyl3.jpg   41.24K   13 downloads
•  Cyl4.jpg   43.61K   9 downloads

Edited by Bradshaw-s, 10 September 2014 - 02:35 PM.

[lsto]

To me that second picture looks like something has been floating about in the cylinder as it looks pitted, saying that its hard to see from the photo. If you pour petrol or paraffin into the combustion chamber does it leak past the valve seats or are they sealing ok because that looks slightly burnt to me too. If its ok I would take a chance and refit the head with new gasket, as you said its not warped, if it fails again I would get it skimmed and new seats. Let me know how you get on.

[jaydee]

What is hideos of this cylinder head is the condition of the seats (worn) and the fact it has never been skimmed.

[Bradshaw-s]

Yeah - I am no expert to say the least - but realised once the head was off that something didn't quite look right!

Cylinder 2 in particular - 1,2 & 4 seats & valves look ok I think?!

What would cause Cyl 2 to become that damaged when all the other cylinders look ok?

I will test with petrol to see if the valves are sealing ok - that would be a decider I guess as to whether get it skimmed & reseated.

 

What is the cost of such work normally?...you can get ripped off here in Malta being a 'foreigner'!...that is if I can find an engineering place to do it.

 

si

[Bradshaw-s]

Does anyone know how much I should be paying to get the head refurbished if this is what I need to do?

Valves, Skimming etc.... I have no idea whether its more cost effective to buy a refurbed one or get this one re-worked?

 

Si

[Bradshaw-s]

I have tonight placed poured a small amount of petrol into the combustion chambers - it does not seem to leak past the valve stem seals - (Leaving overnight)

Does this mean I do not need to re-work the head?

 

Si

[Stiggytoo]

I don't think the pitting is a problem, however I think you could invest in a spring compressor and remove that valve to take a look. If, as you say all valves don't let petrol past overnight they can't be that bad. 

If the head truly is flat, then have a look at the block to make sure that isn't damaged.

[Bradshaw-s]

 

Hey Stiggy,

 

This is a picture of the block - haven't cleaned this yet with acetone/carb cleaner - so this is what it looked like when the head & gasket came off.

What do you think?

 

Si

 

Attached Files

•  Block2.jpg   51.37K   21 downloads

[Stiggytoo]

Can't tell from the photo. You need to check that it is totally flat with a straight edge really.