12 replies to this topic

[mattkjsmith]

I've got to build a 1275cc A Series engine and was just wondering what the best manual would be to use as i have NO mechanical experience at all.

MS.

[yeti21586]

a haynes manual is always a good place to start

[mattkjsmith]

a haynes manual is always a good place to start

Yeah, i've got 3 lol and the Vizard book but none of these give me a step by step guide which is what i need.

MS.

[Guess-Works.com]

How do you mean, what you need ??

Firstly you need an engine, and I would recommend you start with a complete one and strip it down first, that way you're not looking for bits you haven't got or think you need...

The haynes manual is almost a word for word copy of the workshop manual, the procedure for building an engine is quite comprehensive... There is a Engine build dvd which many have said is also a good guide to building an engine... Vizard will be of no help with the procedure, but will be of help if you are looking to change/upgrade any parts.

Long and short of it is, if you can't figure out how to build an engine from a haynes, then it's possibly something you should not be attempting until you have a higher mechanical skill level.

[Whistles GT]

The mini magazines also have some helpful info and tips. Mini Magazine are running a series at the moment on an engine strip and rebuild.

[mike.]

Get the mini engine builder DVD. Has a few good tips that the haynes doesn't and its good to see it begin done rather than just reading about it.

[charie t]

Agree with guess works, building an engine is not as simple as changing a set of brake discs and pads

[mattkjsmith]

Agree with guess works, building an engine is not as simple as changing a set of brake discs and pads

If your engines got brake discs and pads inside it your mini has most definately got issues!

MS.

[charie t]

If your engines got brake discs and pads inside it your mini has most definately got issues!
MS.

Why would there be brake parts in an engine?

[jay whiting]

There are lots of publications out there on how to build an engine. I would use the advise above and start with a complete engine and strip it first. By doing this you will already be learning as you will have a fundimental idea as to how it came apart. A haynes manual is pretty good and will give you all the Torque settings and clearances that you need for rebuilding it.

Main thing you will need is:

Full engine gasget set
Big end bearings
Main bearings
Thrust washers
Piston rings
Oil and oil can (pump top type to oil as you go)

You will also need all the tools to do the job, dont try and do the job without the correct size spanners and sockets, it will only lead to faults being made. One main thing to remember when you are building the engine is that OIL is the KEY. Never build DRY. Every part you put back needs oil, The best tip you can have is make sure everything gets FLOODED with oil as you put it in.

Before you even start the job, make sure you have read everything and then read it again. The more you read it, the better the understanding of what you are doing. If you are not sure, then STOP. ASK someone, its better to admit you dont know than to make a grave error and risk damage to the engine and also susstain PERSONAL INJURY. There are enough of us here who are quallified and have the knowledge to help you as you go, dont be scared to ask.

Building your first engine can be a daunting thing, but it doesnt have to be hard or impossible, we all started the same way, so if your going to have a go, then fair play to you. All i say is make sure you read all you can before you start.

[AVV IT]

You have to admire some peoples ambition! Many would be worried about changing the oil or a wheel, with no mechanical experience at all, let alone building an entire engine! I can't help thinking it's a bit like trying to fly a plane without any lessons, or having ever even had a go at flying a kite.... but hey,..... good on yer, for yer "ave a go" attitude I say!!

[cojo]

The best way of learning is to give it a go, use the haynes manual and strip an engine down, this way you get to see for yourself how the diffrent parts fit and work together, if it all goes wrong theres this real good mini forum I know of........! The best advice from me personally is label every thing with masking tape and a biro and hav loads of diffrent containers to put diffrent parts in, this way youll know where everything is and where it came from. Good luck!

[WRLondon]

The best advice from me personally is label every thing with masking tape and a biro and hav loads of diffrent containers to put diffrent parts in, this way youll know where everything is and where it came from. Good luck!

YES! do that!

also when your dismantling, maybe take some pics yourself for refrence

and just have patience as some of the nuts can be rusty or just very tight!

take your time, any questions ask

set up a thread and im sure some of us will keep an eye on it