41 replies to this topic

[Jumpinjacks]

Just got a phonecall from the local mechanics to tell me the outcome of my beloved mini. And they said the problem is that the head gasket went and there is a big hole in the cylinders. They said that it can be kinda bodged with a bit of welding and the head would need to be refaced which would cost about £200 all together but then it is not guaranteed that it will last and the head gasket could quite easily go again.
What he recommended is that I buy another lump from somewhere and put that in instead but they would charge me about £400 to put that in, I could try myself but I have never done anything like that before and don't have a hoist or anything like that and would have to use axle stands, jacks and ramps. Plus I don't know how hard it is to do and where to get a decent engine from.
What would you do in my position???
Any help will be much much apprieciated as my poor little baby is ill

[who_loves_the_mini?]

surely if they say they can weld the hole then they have to take the engine out so why cant they put a new block on for the same amount? id go for a new block, better safe then sorry. could also consider putting a bigger engine in or tuning the one you have whilst its out or having work done

[taffy1967]

Well if it was mine i'd take it to a good Mini Specialist or at least a garage who knows Minis very well for a second opinion.

[Jumpinjacks]

Just been speaking them again and what they said is that the cylinder block would need to be ground down and then welded plus as said the head skimmed/refaced.
I was considering just getting a bigger engine but then I expect would have to modify loads to get it to fit right.

Edited by Jumpinjacks, 04 January 2007 - 06:32 PM.

[Bungle]

didnt know you could weld a mini block

are they having you on ?

[fikus01]

i'll bet the gasket has blown between 2 cylinders, and they want to make it all level! that is the only place i can think that the damage could be!! and even so i've driven with a head gasket like that for weeks, a good gasket scraper and its all flat again and its fine!! i would be suspicous personally.

[Jumpinjacks]

i'll bet the gasket has blown between 2 cylinders, and they want to make it all level! that is the only place i can think that the damage could be!! and even so i've driven with a head gasket like that for weeks, a good gasket scraper and its all flat again and its fine!! i would be suspicous personally.

I am a little unsure too.
But when I drove it up there the engine made a hell of a rattle and I just made it up our hill going 30mph just. there was no power there at all and the guage was right up into the red from a 1 mile journey up the road.

[Jumpinjacks]

I have kinda decided that I'm gonna get a new engine now.
Is it easy to fit? I've heard it is.
Will any Mini or Metro engine just drop in there without any modifications?
If so what's best to go for?

[biggav]

depends what you want out of it..... just make sure the bottom end and gearbox are solid.. and the clutch.. if you want a more racy cam, get that fitted before you fit the engine... plus a central oil pickup!!! then fit it... you can always modify the head later on without removing the engine.

"TUNING THE A-SERIES ENGINE" by David Vizard will tell you everything you need to know, and guess works is a good man to speak too... and mini sprocket... and loads of others on here.... don't listen to bungle though, he'll have you fitting square wheels in line with the Cornish MOT Regs!!!!! only kidding bungle

[Jammy]

Take it to a different garage now!! Any garage that says they can weld the pistons is taking the **** and to suggest you need to ground down the cylinder block and weld it back up for a blown head gasket is talking out of the behinds! They obviously don't have a clue what they are doing!

If you buy a second hand engine, expect a 998 to cost anything between £0-£100 for a full engine, and a 1275 will be anything between £100-300. £400 to swap an engine is a tad excessive, I'd say it should cost between £200-300!

I'd seriously get the car to a mini specialist.

[Jammy]

Take it to a different garage now!! Any garage that says they can weld the pistons is taking the **** and to suggest you need to ground down the cylinder block and weld it back up for a blown head gasket is talking out of the behinds! They obviously don't have a clue what they are doing!

If you buy a second hand engine, expect a 998 to cost anything between £0-£100 for a full engine, and a 1275 will be anything between £100-300. £400 to swap an engine is a tad excessive, I'd say it should cost between £200-300! The problem with getting a second hand engine is that you don't know what your getting, unless you can drive car before you get the engine!

I'd seriously get the car to a mini specialist.

In fact go down there unexpectedly and ask to see the damage, especially the hole in the piston!

[Jumpinjacks]

Just got it back and it is on the top of the cylinder block where the head gasket sits that the hole is not in the cylinder. He must of told me wrong. It is still in bits so I can clearly see the damage.
I could take a picture of it if you guys want to see for an opinion.

[Jumpinjacks]

Here's some pics if you guys are interested:









What do you think?

[Jammy]

Ah right, well thats a new block then!

[Big_Adam]

Mr Jumping jack my good sir. I have a 998 block in my garage is thats of any help to you.