23 replies to this topic

[nicklouse]

I would say it is not an engine problem.

 

suspension? tyres? wheels?

[Pickup76]

Thanks for all the replies gents. I spent yesterday running through a few of your suggestions and what else I could think of. I noted that when running, the engine itself appears to be totally smooth. Putting your hand on the cam cover even when revving it's very low vibration. Sitting in the drivers seat seconds latter it's terrible. So i I thought it's definitely an installation issue rather than engine itself.

Next I removed the two gearbox steadies but noticed no difference. Then I put them back and removed the head steady (normal clutch end) totally transformed! The difference was actually shocking, as it made it like a normal mini in the cab. On inspection the poly bushes in the head steady I was using have gone rock hard... Cheap junk. I replaced them with some genuine rubber bushes and vibration is still very low. Glad that's sorted as it really is night and day better.

The only issue now is that the engine can move a little and seeing as the clearance between the throttle bodies and slam panel, plus exhaust manifold to bullhead is so tight I might get some rubbing. An issue for another day but at least it's nice to drive again!

[RooBoonix]

Have you used the conical inserts with the rubber bushes? If not, these may help as they squeeze the rubber tighter into the steady bar giving less movement/play.

 

Glad you've found the problem though! I found a slight increase in noise with poly bushes so I stuck to rubber ones.

[tiger99]

Poly does not tolerate engine heat. Perhaps using poly at the cold end of the steadies and rubber at the engine end might be a satisfactory compromise?

[Pickup76]

Have you used the conical inserts with the rubber bushes? If not, these may help as they squeeze the rubber tighter into the steady bar giving less movement/play.

 

Glad you've found the problem though! I found a slight increase in noise with poly bushes so I stuck to rubber ones.

 

Im not sure i've ever seen them with conical inserts, where did you get them from? Might be a better compromise, worth trying anyway.

 

Thanks

Chris

[nicklouse]

they were found in most motor factors back in the day for pennies rather than pounds.

 

note there were two types metal or plastic cones I hated both types as there were very very poor.

[tiger99]

My 1984 998 had conical metal inserts from new. However they were largely ineffective because they are needed in ALL identical bushes, ie both ends of the upper and lower steadies, for best effect, and the factory or stealer had only fitted them in the one place. They do make a difference, but are a pig to fit. The easiest way seemed to me at the time to be to fit the bushes to the steady, squeeze the conical inserts in fully with a G clamp or similar, and quickly, before they pop out, put the assembly against the engine. The long bolt should already be threaded through the lock washer, earth strap if fitted there, and outer bracket, so you quickly get the bolt in at least a few turns...

Have fun! It does get easier after the first 5 or 6...

[RooBoonix]

I agree they are a pain to fit. Using some silicone spray or similar to help them slip into the rubber bushes does help. Tigers method with the g clamp is certainly a good one!

[RooBoonix]

 

Have you used the conical inserts with the rubber bushes? If not, these may help as they squeeze the rubber tighter into the steady bar giving less movement/play.

 

Glad you've found the problem though! I found a slight increase in noise with poly bushes so I stuck to rubber ones.

 

Im not sure i've ever seen them with conical inserts, where did you get them from? Might be a better compromise, worth trying anyway.

 

Thanks

Chris

 

 

I can't remember now, I think it may have been minispares. I have both plastic and metal versions of the conical inserts and only used the metal ones.