4 replies to this topic

[Jesse Musson]

Hi all,

 

I have a 89 998 Mayfair and have now had three head gasket issues each within 1000 miles (the second time a replacement head was put on).

 

Want to get it back on the road reasonably quickly but don't want to throw anymore money at this engine and figured my best bet is to look for a new recon engine. Would be great if anyone has suggestions on the best places to look as I'm working to a fairly tight budget too? (UK based)

 

(I've also considered replacing with a 1275 so any extra advice on this too would be most welcome) 

 

 

Thanks!

[DeadSquare]

Beware !

In the past 35 years, I have had too many Mini owners come to me with woeful tales about their upgrade 1275 engine, "conned" into buying a "reconned" engine that was said to be not needed or had only done minimal mileage since overhaul.

 

If you find a £500-00 plus, 1275 engine, get all the work done by the same company.  The costs will be regrinding the Crank plus Bearings;  Reboring plus Pistons;  if leaded, Valve seats, but Guides and maybe Valves; Oil pump;  Timing chain; Clutch plate;   Radiator cleaned inside and out;  Water pump?;  Cam shaft and Followers ?:  gaskets and TIME.

 

I used to suggest that if they wanted to get it on the road reasonably quickly, to look for another 998 engine that is still in an MOT failure.  It won't be perfect, but was presumably running when the MOT ran out,----  £50-00 not £500-00, but that is probably no longer applicable.

[sonscar]

You possibly would benefit from the block decking,but that is motor out and disassembled so rebuilding it woul be wise.£1500 plus?Ouch..( you could also use all the old parts but this could be unwise.Assume a second hand engine is scrap,then you may not be upset.Steve..

[Jesse Musson]

Thanks for the advice. Anyone know any good companies selling quality engines?

[Stevie W]

Ivory Searle always had a good reputation, and a quick look on their website shows they still do classic car engines like the Mini.

I had a reconditioned engine from them fitted to my Rover 400 years ago after the original engine dropped a valve! The recon engine from them was very good.

 

Cheers, Steve.