9 replies to this topic

[barlar]

I'm (hopefully) approaching the end of my first major rebuild of my MKIII 998 mini and have a question that I can't seem to find an easy answer to. The car and engine obviously have been worked on before and I don't know all the specs on the engine internals. The engine has been claimed to be assembled by a, in Sweden, reputable Mini racer/builder, and while going through and replacing the engine top end, I have no reason to doubt that claim. Different to the rest of the car (which was a complete mess) the engine seems to be well put together and with some nice parts (raised D pistons etc.). The thing is now that I have no TDC markings what so ever on the pulley or timing cover. I roughly marked the TDC with markers on the pulley and cover, and when I now realized (still a novice on classic minis) that there might be markings on the flywheel itself, I put it at my markings and checked the inspection hole on the clutch cover with a mirror and found the following holes in the flywheel.

 

Does anyone with experience know how these holes represent TDC?

 

Would really appriciate some good insight

Attached Files

•  TDC.JPG   61.74K   1 downloads

[nicklouse]

The holes have nothing to do with TDC. 
 

one of the pressure plate mounting bolts ,non Verto, is very close to TDC.

[nicklouse]

Here you go https://www.theminif...dc#entry3624363

[barlar]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've seen the pictures you're linking to, 1I4, 5, 10, 15 markings. But I can't seem to find these, the only things I find, at least in the vicinity of TDC are the holes in the picture. So basically, I have no timing marks at all, apart from the ones I've done myself on the pulley and cover. These are at least "fairly" correct, it'd just be nice to find anything verified. The engine runs smoothly (apart from a intermittent clatter sound), and seems to respond as estimated on ignition timing changes. Basically my markings are "fairly" OK at least.

[nicklouse]

And as I said the holes are nothing. Line up the bolt to get close.

[barlar]

Aha, sorry I just missed that. So, just to clarify it to me, the pressure plate bolt just below the 1I4 marking should be about right for TDC, as seen in the linked picture?

[ACDodd]

They are not TDC markings they are balance holes.

Ac

[barlar]

****, I do need to apologize for being stressed and sometimes not taking the time to double check everything before getting back behind the keyboard.....I'm honestly sorry. But I do appriciate all the help, it saves me time if nothing else. Last night when I saw these balancing holes, I was too tired to actually think twice and verify that indeed it was TDC on cyl 1. All I've gone from before was my own markings on the cover and pulley, and they lined up as I stopped the engine apparently. Now, during lunch, I went down to the garage and turned the engine once over and...surprise, I did find the correct markings on the flywheel.

 

To my surprise, my markings, done in 30 seconds using a screwdriver through the spark plug hole, lined up eerily perfect. I would never have thought!

Attached Files

•  TDC.JPG   42.82K   2 downloads
•  TDC 2.JPG   46.46K   1 downloads

[whistler]

I put a thin line of Tippex on the TDC marking, just to make it easier to see if you are using a mirror.

[barlar]

Yep, good idea. Turns out that the only thing I had readily available was gray primer. Didn't do well on the flywheel.....but now that I managed to verify my pulley markings I can go from them. Thanks again for all the excellent support. And again, I do apologize for not doing my homework