8 replies to this topic

[Whisky]

Ok, so here's my situation:
I've inherited a 1989 mini mayfair, 998cc all pretty simlple
I've removed the subframes and engine and shall be detaching the engine from the front subby as soon as my ball joint splitter arrives in the post
The clutch is known need replacing, which should be pretty simple,

But before putting it all back together, I would like to have the engine all testing and running on the bench.

I know this isn't gonna be an easy task, but I was wondering if anyone has successfully done this before and if there are any tips/advise anyone could give, which would be much appriciated.

First stage, I guess would be for me to get a working battery and test the starter (First tip on how to do this properly would be a helpful start )

Second stage, is where you guys come in! where do I go from here?


I'm resonably mechanical minded, fairly good with electronics and have plenty of space to work in. The one thing I do need to keep down (as i'm sure most of you will appriciate) is cost. I'm hoping this won't be too expensive, as most of the bits I need to get the motor running can be pulled from the car.

Cheers

:)

[Jamie_hail]

I think, by the time you have made a rig to hold the engine steady enough on your bench, and rigged up fuel lines, radiator and a loom, it would be easier to mount it in the car! Even if you leave the driveshafts and everything off for now and only connect the essentials - done right, with a tidy loom, it's possible to have the engine in, and rigged up within two or three hours!

[George929]

we had my dads series 1 landrover engine running on a stand with no exhaust manifold on it was seriously loud

[charliedurrant]

I think it's a good idea and I intend to do it if I ever rebuild my 998. I wouldn't bother with a loom, I'd just extend the very few require wires / cables from the car including the fuel line. Note I haven't done it and don't have any experience.

Found :



I'm not sure I'd run without a radiator though but in terms of support it looks like he is just holding it..

Charlie

[bmcecosse]

Biggest problem will be lifting it up onto the bench....... better just keep it on the floor and lash it to the bench!. And find a way to keep the oil in when there are no pot joints fitted. Can't see the advantage of doing all this extra work - just overhaul the thing - do the job properly 'right first time' and there won't be any problems when it is in the car!

[charliedurrant]

do the job properly 'right first time' and there won't be any problems when it is in the car!

Famous last words! I've read enough threads on here - "engine rebuit, problem, have to remove"

[bmcecosse]

That's because they didn't do it 'right first time'....... It's far better to take the time to check and double check every step - and get it right!

[Whisky]

To be honest I'm not too fussed about how long this takes, as the body needs a bit of welding and I can't afford one yet!

Thanks for the advice about keeping it low to the ground, I've got a nice little trolly with castors I can secure it to for working on, then probably strap it to a bench when it comes to actually running it.

I'll end up making a basic loom to wire it all up, I'm fairly good with electronics so should be too hard (may end up regreting saying that later :/ )

Cooling system will also need checking/upgrading, so again, I'm quite happy to do this out of the car

Fuel system, I plan on using a bit of rubber tubing and a funnel for simple testing (fire extingusher close to hand ;) )

As for keeping the oil contained, would simply re-fitting the pot joints work?


Thanks for the video Charlie, very interesting :)


I'll be back home early next week to make a start on all this, I'll keep y'all posted and maybe take a couple of photos to keep things interesting.

[grahama]

Was thinking of this myself, so lots of pics and info plz.

Graham