I will be there.. I will..

[sgray]

Part of the reason that my truck broke down this morning was because I had him booked in to a local garage. Partly so that I could check them out and partly because I still think the engine is a bit underpowered.

Anyway - I booked him in to have the timing checked and have a compression check done. The chap's not a Minor specialist but he does work on old cars for several people I know locally.

He said the timing was about right, but the compression test came back as 80,30,80,80 .
His feeling was that the low reading on number 2 was down to a blown/holed exhaust valve.

I think this means I have to be brave, take the head off and replace the valve, grinding a new one in. Though this is more than I've ever done before I'm quite keen to do it myself, but not before the National (which is just a couple of weeks away).
The mechanic suggested I should be fine driving it up to Leeds and back (about 170 miles each way), just that the hole will be bigger by the time I get home.

What are your collective, measured, thoughts on this. I don't have the skills to risk trying to do this myself before the 25th but don't really want to get someone else to do it. Should it last until I get back? I have relay on my breakdown cover.

Simon

[PSL184]

80, 30, 80, 80 !!!!

This is an April fool joke isn't it

Bin it and get a new one......

[ASL642]

Agreed - don't chance it and end up disappointed on the M1! I think you'll have to bite the bullet

[bmcecosse]

These compressions are all really really poor - especially the one showing '30'. Maybe he didn't do the readings with ALL the plugs out, and the throttle held open - whatever - that '30' needs sorting urgently. A burned valve will need a NEW valve fitting - you only grind in valves that don't have holes. Another head is really the quick answer - pull one head off and pop the 'new' one on - easily done in an hour. Otherwise - arm yourself with at least one new exhaust valve and a head gasket - and get on with it! That's an easy evening job - assuming some time spent grinding in all the valves. It may just be worth while checking your valve gaps - when were they last set ??

[sgray]

Bin it and get a new one......

I presume you mean the engine? or just the head? It's a 948 with a 1098 head on it.
If I have to replace the engine then I'll miss the national.

[bmcecosse]

If you have a 948 head - put it on, after grinding the valves of course. This could be the problem of course - a 1098 head can only be used on a 948 IF it has 60/80 thou skimmed off the face - has this been done ???
This 1098 head is cheap - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rare-997-Mini-coo ... 335deb5de2 but it will need skimming before use.
Your best bet at the moment - shove a 948 head on it for now - and then work up the 1098 head at leisure.

This one is a bit dearer - and v expensive postage. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mini-mowog-12g202 ... 3f0082e112 He says 'direct replacement' - not true - it too will need skimming - it has NOT been skimmed already.

[PSL184]

The 80's are worrying low by themselves. This could well indicate worn piston rings. If so a new head will not fix the problem.... I assume this compression test was done dry? If so you need to repeat it wet, ie with oil down the bores. If the comptressions come up then the rings are shot aswel as you having either a blown HG or a burnt valve. You need the wet compression test and then the head off to determine the full extent of the problem (assuming the valve gaps are OK).....

[ASL642]

Of course you won't! Even if you have to come in your "modern" dp (on here) had a small fire on the way to the National last year !. Ran home and changed cars and still made it. Many people don't yet have their car on the road because it's still under restoration. Everyone welcome. I should ring around and see if you can't get a new engine. It only takes a day to fit

[bmcecosse]

I think the '80's are low - because it's an unskimmed 1098 head - on a 948 engine!! The '30' is certainly a disaster - probably a burned exhaust valve. Maybe someone can lend a spare 948 head ??? A head from a 998 Mini engine would also be ideal - and probably 'unleaded' !!
Seriously - don't worry about needing a 'new engine' just because of this !!

[sgray]

But even if the test was done again, the low reading on number 2 means a valve problem doesn't it - wouldn't a blown gasket show problems on two cylinders?

Anyone got a 948 head lying around (but usable)?

[PSL184]

Yes, good point Roy - It could be due to poor compression in that respect. I have a spare 948 head but I am a way away from spray...

[bmcecosse]

Surely someone will help out ? If you were anywhere near me - it would be running properly again in an hour!

[PSL184]

The valve problem could be due to a stuck valve or a closed valve gap - Check this first. The poor performance is definately down to low compression.....

[bmcecosse]

This head would be ideal http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-MORRIS-BL- ... 41502699e8 Make him an offer! These heads are often given away free - I have done so in the past.

Or this one - looks like it may have been skimmed - if so - ideal. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SERIES-ENGINE-UNL ... 2eada8e8fd
Is that any nearer to you ?? If so - make him an offer he can't refuse!! On further inspection - I don't think it is skimmed, just cleaned up - but if the price is right, it would keep you going meantime.

[sgray]

These are both a ways away from me..

If I go this route what else will I need. Head gasket or complete gasket set? I'm a beginner with this stuff - are we going to be able to handle this through the forum?

(I do appreciate the help btw)

Simon

[PSL184]

Head change is easy to do. Find one locally to you and we can walk you throught he steps to change it....

[alex_holden]

You'll need a torque wrench and a set of imperial feeler gauges in addition to an imperial AF socket set and various screwdrivers. Possibly also a valve spring compression tool and a valve grinding tool with grinding paste so that you can grind the valves in. You'll have to drain off some of the coolant so have some antifreeze (cheap concentrated ethylene glycol stuff) on hand for refilling it, and there's a chance you might get some coolant in the oil in which case an oil change will be in order.

[bmcecosse]

I changed heads for years and years without a torque wrench........ however did I manage ?

[Dean]

I changed heads for years and years without a torque wrench........ however did I manage ?

Wurzel Gummidge managed ok too!! I'll get my coat...

[ASL642]

Simon, you're a member of the Oxen & Berks Branch. Give Ray - Joan Collin's husband a ring - I'm certain he will help you a) find a head and b) guide you in re-fitting it.