13 replies to this topic

[Alexxx]

Hi folks,

 

1998 mpi, set the valve clearances today (12A engine code, IN 13 thou, EX 15 thou) only a few were a bit more then std. I did a few revolutions and checked all before putting the cover on.

I thought that would sort the top end valve noise but it sounds like one or two need gaps closed.

Been years since I last ran a mini engine but the MGB roadster I sold recently is the same set up and I got that super quiet.

Any tips for getting the top end a bit quieter?

 

Cheers

 

[nicklouse]

I would say the gaps are a bit big for standard cam.

[brivinci]

Were these setting done on a hot engine or a cold engine?

[Magneto]

Did you use the rule of 9 to set them ? (When 1 is open adjust 8 and so on)

 

I agree, 12 thou cold should be the setting unless you're running a different cam.

Edited by Magneto, 05 May 2021 - 10:14 PM.

[Alexxx]

Thanks,

cold engine, I always set using via the firing order, 1342, when 4 is at tdc and rocking both valves do one and so on.

I had read a post on this forum today (see below) where it was stated that the 12A engines should have gaps of 15 and 13 but pre 12A it should be 12 thou for all.

As far as I know the engine is standard with 67,000 miles.

Can anyone confirm what the valve clearances should be for a 1998 rover mini cooper MPI please.?

 

...............................................................................................................................................................................................

"

I've just given a check to the manual (it didnt mention MG metro engine which has different settings but yours an MPI so no problem here)
Quote from the manual:

Valve clearances
Inlet and exhaust (engine cold):
All engine types except 12A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
12A engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.33 to 0.38 mm
So converted in good old imperial 13 thou inlets and 15 exhausts.I've just given a check to the manual (it didnt mention MG metro engine which has different settings but yours an MPI so no problem here)
Quote from the manual:
Valve clearances
Inlet and exhaust (engine cold):
All engine types except 12A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
12A engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.33 to 0.38 mm

So converted in good old imperial 13 thou inlets and 15 exhausts."

..............................................................................................................................................................................................
 

Edited by Alexxx, 05 May 2021 - 11:18 PM.

[nicklouse]

Thanks,

cold engine, I always set using via the firing order, 1342, when 4 is at tdc and rocking both valves do one and so on.

I had read a post on this forum today (see below) where it was stated that the 12A engines should have gaps of 15 and 13 but pre 12A it should be 12 thou for all.

As far as I know the engine is standard with 67,000 miles.

Can anyone confirm what the valve clearances should be for a 1998 rover mini cooper MPI please.?

 

...............................................................................................................................................................................................

"

I've just given a check to the manual (it didnt mention MG metro engine which has different settings but yours an MPI so no problem here)
Quote from the manual:

Valve clearances
Inlet and exhaust (engine cold):
All engine types except 12A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
12A engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.33 to 0.38 mm
So converted in good old imperial 13 thou inlets and 15 exhausts.I've just given a check to the manual (it didnt mention MG metro engine which has different settings but yours an MPI so no problem here)
Quote from the manual:
Valve clearances
Inlet and exhaust (engine cold):
All engine types except 12A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
12A engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.33 to 0.38 mm

So converted in good old imperial 13 thou inlets and 15 exhausts."

..............................................................................................................................................................................................
 

Don’t know where those came from. Here is from the Rover workshop manual. 

[Alexxx]

Thanks for the info.

The wording 0.27 to 0.33mm does that mean inlet 0.27 and exhaust 0.33?

Usually it is stated inlet ** and exhaust **

[nicklouse]

Thanks for the info.

The wording 0.27 to 0.33mm does that mean inlet 0.27 and exhaust 0.33?

Usually it is stated inlet ** and exhaust **

Nope. Just an acceptable range.

 

note the engine type/number.

Edited by nicklouse, 06 May 2021 - 09:31 AM.

[Quinlan minor]

Thanks for the info.

The wording 0.27 to 0.33mm does that mean inlet 0.27 and exhaust 0.33?

Usually it is stated inlet ** and exhaust **

No, those are the limits. < 0.27 needs loosening, > 0.33 needs tightening, making 0.30 the aiming point.

On a stock engine there is no differentiation of inlet and exhaust clearances.

[imack]

If the clearances appear correct yet its still noisy it could be that the rocker pads are worn out and you're just bridging the 'hole' in the rocker pad when setting clearances.

[Alexxx]

Thanks folks,

 

Very helpful, I confirmed my engine number type is the same as you showed from Rover specs.

I am confident I can get it quieter now.

Thanks again.

[weef]

If you still think it is only one or two that is noisy but cannot determine which ones you can try this. 

Remove rocker cover, start engine and be prepared for some "oil splash".

At tickover insert a thin feeler blade between each rocker and valve stem in turn to find which ones are noisy and work from there.

This method is a bit messy, but only takes a minute, and will ruin the feeler blade used but you will find the offending tappets.

Sometimes the rocker wears and the feeler gauge blade is wider than the valve stem diameter and gives a false setting.

You can cut the feeler gauge down so the blade width is smaller than the valve stem diameter and use that to set the gaps.

[Alexxx]

Thanks mini mad,

 

That's a good idea and well worth doing.

 

Cheers

[sonscar]

Bear in mind it will not sound like a Tesla.Your valves may open and close earlier/later losing some performance,altering emissions but if they are in the ballpark and slightly noisy the valves are not burning away.Good tinkering,Steve..