Sickly engine - any ideas please?

Post by **Dominic** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:51 pm

Hi folks

I had a 300 mile drive today, all well when I started, but after about 150 miles, I noticed that the acceleration wasn't as brisk as usual. (1098cc, unleaded head, 10,000 miles / 14 monhs old) Also, it sounded as if the exhaust was blowing a bit, something like the rasp from an aircooled VW engine. I tested the exhaust by covering the end, and as far as I can make out, no leaks. The noise has got progressively worse, likewise the acceleration, though when up to speed (55ish) and not accelerating it seems fairly normal. The sound is very much worse when accelerating. I have a long return journey to make tomorrow, so if anyone has any ideas as to what this might be, I'd be eternally grateful!

Dom

Post by **ben739** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:02 pm

sounds like head gasket might be gone or on the way. takes an hour or so to change if you have one with you. where bouts you at?

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:44 pm

More likely to be a burnt exhaust valve as with the head gasket gone- between 2 cylinders- the car would not get up to 55mph.

do a compression test or at the least remove the spark plugs one by one to see which cylinder is not working. It could also be a exhaust manifold gasket blown.

Post by **Dominic** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:11 pm

I'm staying overnight in Norwich, have to get my daughter up to Durham tomorrow, then myself home to Blackpool. Not enough tools or a gasket to take the head off, nor the time to do it until I'm home. There are no unusual sounds from the exhaust manifold area, the noise comes from the rear of the exhaust pipe. There is also no oil in the coolant, or vice versa. I did wonder if it might be an exhaust valve on the way out... Will dismantle when I have the car back home! Hopefully under it's own steam!
Thanks for the input chaps!

Post by **moggyminor16** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:23 pm

well im near norwich if you wana pop around i help to have a look
chris

Post by **Dominic** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:33 pm

That's really kind of you mate, but I wouldn't want to trouble you at the crack of dawn, unless you too are up at sparrowf**t!

Post by **moggyminor16** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:35 pm

oh right no ill be about after 9

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:57 pm

Does indded sound like exhaust valve - so much for the 'unleaded' head!! Whip the rocker cover off and check the valve clearances - may have closed up on one or more valve - in which case re-setting them (5 min job) will get you home - although there is likely to be some damage to the seat and valve. Quick check - use the starting handle (ignition OFF) and turn the engine over - do all 4 compressions feel the same - or are 1 or 2 very much less ? If 2 together in the firing order (3421) then suspect a head gasket problem - if only 1 then likely exhaust valve. If it is blowing head gasket - don't even try to run it any more - you will damage the head and block - fit a new gasket before going anywhere. This is why I carry a spare ' ready to go' head and head gasket with me at all times !!

Post by **ben739** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:10 pm

you carry a spare head for your car where ever you go? i can see taking a gasket, but isnt a spare head a bit heavy?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:37 pm

Well worth it - since i started carrying it (fits in up beside the spare wheel) I have had NO head problems what-so-ever. It's great 'insurance'. I see you say it only takes 'an hour or so' to change the head gasket - can you honestly say that was true for you when you did it recently ?? I know I can do it in an hour or so - and I'm sure many others on here can maybe even beat that time (idea for a competition sometime ??) - but unless experienced and absolutely sure what to do and in what order - i suggest 4 hours is more realistic for a novice !!

Post by **moggyminor16** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:47 pm

yes bmc i have it down to 70 min (my wife timed me ) as last summer i had 4 go in one week i carry spare fule pump ,ht leads,spark plugs,water pump,body filler (good to repair a leaking rad ) head gaskit ,rotter arm dissy cap,points , and a small bag of carb bits ,all fits under were the spare wheels is .only problem is it all needs to come out when you need to change the wheel

Post by **ben739** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:50 pm

bmcecosse, you may have 3664 posts compared to my 247. but this doesnt mean anything nor does it mean i am a novice mechanically. hope you dont pull a muscle patting yourself on the back. i guess some people need that, so good on you.

Post by **Dominic** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 8:07 pm

Thanks for all your help chaps. I'm now home after an uneventful if noisy journey. Just read your input BM, sadly, too late as I missed the posting before I had to leave!
I found that the car went quite well as higher speeds, it smoothed out very well, but below 50 was somewhat lacking "oomph". It didn;t much like hills, especially at lower engine revs! I'll be dismantling later in the week, and will report back.
Just to add to the "fun" of the journey, (682 miles of it!) was the wind. Not mine I hasten to add! At times I was having to steer off into wind by about 10 degrees of the steering wheel just to keep straight! More like sailing a boat for 12 hours solid!
Thanks again all!
Dom

Post by **moggyminor16** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:28 pm

glad you made it

Post by **Kevin** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:50 pm

bmcecosse, you may have 3664 posts compared to my 247. but this doesnt mean anything nor does it mean i am a novice mechanically.

I dont think bmc was saying your were a novice just that an hour or so is really quick, and for the job to be done with cleaning off carbon deposits and checking that the head is still flat ect that 4 hours is a more realistic time or in my case a whole day as I tend to meander along the older I get.

Just to add to the "fun" of the journey, (682 miles of it!)

Well done Dom I cant remember when I have travelled that far in a couple of days in any car let alone my Moggie, just shows how durable they are

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:10 pm

My guess is that 1 or more baffle plates in the exhaust are loose. this can happen to stainless systems too as the coating rarely extends to the internal componants.

Post by **Dominic** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:52 pm

Thanks Chris, & Kevin! It's the 4th or 5th time I've made that trip in the Moggie too! Very durable, even if it was a little asthmatic and flatulent this time!

Post by **moggyminor16** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:54 pm

well if any problems again when down this way let me know ill fit your moggy on the drive and we will get it going

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:22 am

That's really kind of you Chris, likewise if ever you are up in the Blackpool area.
Dom

Post by **JimK** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:12 pm

Dom,
I know knowledgable people have said things about valves and the like, but I had a problem with the Traveller where the acceleration disappeared over about 45mph, accompanied by a boomy sound lke the exhaust blowing under the bonnet.

Turned out that the points had closed up a bit so the timing was out. I reset the points and got my acceleration back.