9 replies to this topic

[zero_wlv]

Due to shot piston rings,  I have three options:

 

1.   buy rebuilt/reconditioned 998 engine for around £2000(?) total

2.   buy a non-reconditioned 998 engine

3.   get cylinders honed, new pistons, new piston rings and gasket set for around £500(?) including labour.

 

I'm inclined to think that dropping a whole new rebuilt engine in for £2000 is preferable to the thought of shelling out £500+ to fix trashed piston rings, bearing in mind the engine's 100,000+ miles.    The only reason I'm reticent is that I have no idea which of the various sources of engines are reputable and reliable.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for sources of rebuilt A-series engines?  I'm looking for a vanilla 998 although I was also considering a 998 with 1275 head.   I've seen several sources online but I'd imagine the quality of 'reconditioned/rebuilt' (is there a difference?) engines varies so widely that I wouldn't want to buy one without hearing recommendations.  (Ideally Midlands but travelling isn't an issue if I'm convinced about the quality).   It'd definitely be nice to have it done before summer.

 

Alternatively I'd consider a reasonably solid non-rebuilt engine as long as it's from a decent source and I could be confident it'd last a while.   The thing is,  I'd probably want to see it running first and do a compression test,   whereas most used A-series engines are 'sold as seen',  so there's a good chance I'd be getting something no better than the engine I have now!

 

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Reason for needing new engine  -  oil consumption is at around 0.5 litres per 50 miles,   exhaust smokes on acceleration (although nowhere near as much now the weather's warmer) and if I fit new spark plugs they become sooty black almost immediately - as in within a couple of miles (even though I'm tuned slightly lean at the moment).    A local mechanic did a head service and replaced valve guides,  which did improve running,  but there's no improvement at all with the oil consumption.    It's actually running not too bad at the moment,   but clearly its days are numbered and I wouldn't trust it on anything but a short journey.

 

The mechanic told me I'd need cylinder rebores,  new pistons,  new piston rings and a gasket set which he didn't have the facilities to do,  and he estimated would cost roughly £500 once I found somewhere that could do it.   (I'd have thought it might actually be more than that).

 

 

 

[Cooperman]

Don't even consider honing and fitting new rings. At 10k miles it will be seriously worn in the bores.

 

If you have a good local machine shop there is no reason why you can't re-build the engine yourself. In fact, that is the only way many of us can afford to run a classic car.

 

Should you decide to buy a re-built engine, or pay someone to do the work on yours, always remember that you usually get what you pay for.

 

Whilst the engine is out you do need to get the gearbox checked and re-worked as necessary.

 

If you want to do it yourself I can send a work list for what needs to be done if you PM me.

[blacktulip]

Tackle it yourself, it's not that difficult. I did mine.

[skoughi]

Go for it yourself, read as much as possible on the subject before hand. Find a good engineering shop to do the measuring and inspection and any machining that's required. Ask for advice and help on here. I did my engine and I'd never tackled anything like it before, my engine works fine and gets my clubman about the place nicely. While it's far from a pro job and won't do the big miles that a pro engine will it gives me lots of pride that I did it!

[johnR]

How much of a rush are you in? I plan to replace my 998 with the 1275 I'm currently restoring/rebuilding next winter and will then be looking to sell the 998. See my '87 Mini City to Mk1 Cooper s replica' blog for pics.
JohnR

Edited by johnR, 02 April 2017 - 08:39 PM.

[zero_wlv]

Hi John,  I'm looking at getting something sorted out within the next month or two so that I'll have the car running properly for most of the summer.

[gazza82]

Where are you? Might help with suggestions of where to take it but as Cooperman said it's probably beyond a hone. Price up parts on minispares.

[zero_wlv]

I'm in Birmingham so I've been looking at anywhere in the Midlands (or further afield) as a possible source to get a rebuilt engine,  as I've realised I don't really have the space at home to keep the car immobile on the drive for several months while I rebuild my current engine.

I've also realised that a hone and new pistons/rings would probably be a waste of money,  as considering the high mileage of the engine the bearings etc. are probably quite worn as well.

[ace01]

Give Rod at Southam Mini and Metro a call.  They are not too far from you.

[olly33]

I'm in similar position,also in brum. The rings are gone from what I gather on my 1275 engine. Bromsgrove Engineering are well respected from what I gather and also build race engines. For a standard rebuild on my engine and also bearings replaced in gearbox he quoted me 1800 when I popped in to see them today.It would basically be a new engine,but for that money I may well have to give it a go at a rebuild myself,as this is a 2nd car to me.

 

Cooperman could I have a copy of your works list.?

Cheers