1843 replies to this topic

[Midas Mk1]

Searching retrominis on here brings up pretty grim reading to be honest.

[Petrol]

Searching retrominis on here brings up pretty grim reading to be honest.

So does Minisport

[Midas Mk1]

Searching retrominis on here brings up pretty grim reading to be honest.

So does Minisport

Each to their own but i’ve had great dealings with them.

[Petrol]

I can't forget that their crank grinding machine was several though out of calibration. They had to get someone in to sort it out. How many tapered cranks are out there? I was the guy who used plastigauge to check the grind.
Then there was the centre strap where they machined the thrust washer locating tabs off
Every suspension joint rubber perished whilst it was in a garage
Then the pot joints where the moly grease leaked out and blocked the engine oil filter

These are not minor issues. They are major issues.

These are the baulk rings from the gearbox.
Looks like they are made from cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gears

 

 

 

 

 

Pete
 

[GraemeC]

Yep Baulk rings are dead. Gears look OK.

[Petrol]

Yep Baulk rings are dead. Gears look OK.

Thanks

 

Pete

[Hexxeh]

 

 

Sorry to dig this one up a bit, but I'm replacing my own cylinder head and I've been using this as a reference (again, thank you!). I just noticed the top face of the cylinder head (where the rocker cover, heater valve and thermostat housing sit) looks unpainted. How do you prevent flash rust?

 

I left mine in the garage overnight after fitting Saturday and it flashed light-brown already. I've cleaned it up and given it a coat of WD40 for now, but trying to decide what's best in the long term.

Edited by Hexxeh, 15 November 2021 - 06:58 PM.

[Steve220]

Sorry to dig this one up a bit, but I'm replacing my own cylinder head and I've been using this as a reference (again, thank you!). I just noticed the top face of the cylinder head (where the rocker cover, heater valve and thermostat housing sit) looks unpainted. How do you prevent flash rust?

I left mine in the garage overnight after fitting Saturday and it flashed light-brown already. I've cleaned it up and given it a coat of WD40 for now, but trying to decide what's best in the long term.

A dehumidifier in the garage. I clean mine each year with wire wool and WD40, then a thin smear of grease.

[Petrol]

I guess painting it is the only real solution. Don't forget that most dehumidifiers need to be at a certain temperature to work.

I've ordered some baulk rings from MED

Cleaned up the gearbox casing

 

Fitted the selectors

Reverse gear




At least things are going back together now.

Pete

 

 

[Petrol]

MED baulk ring which sits away from the gear
Looks good to me

 

 

 

 

 

Pete

 

 

[Petrol]

Baulk ring to gear clearance new spec is 1.6mm

Less than 0.8mm means the ring needs replacing

This measures 1.59mm. I'll check every gear

 

 

 

Edited by Petrol, 17 November 2021 - 03:50 PM.

[Magneto]

The good news is that you've figured out all your issues - nothing more frustrating than to build something and think you've paid such close attention to details only to be let down by poor parts or lousy work by so called specialists.

 

So, on the horizon, a clean running Mini that runs, shifts well and doesn't leak!    

Edited by Magneto, 17 November 2021 - 05:12 PM.

[Petrol]

The good news is that you've figured out all your issues - nothing more frustrating than to build something and think you've paid such close attention to details only to be let down by poor parts or lousy work by so called specialists.

 

So, on the horizon, a clean running Mini that runs, shifts well and doesn't leak!    

Thats the top and bottom of it yes.
I'm devastated that it's come to this though. I've builts loads of engines from stock to full race and never had any problems.
As you say, it's very poor quality parts and so called professionals that have let me down. There's a lot more problems that I haven't mentioned yet because I'm trying to keep the thread in an understandable order.

Gearbox mainshaft assembled

 

 

 

 

 

Heating the top hat to fit over the shaft. No need to get is very hot, it's not a tight interference fit

 

 

 

 

 

Dropped straight on. Just a slight tap to ensure it was fully home

 

 

 

 

Retaining pin for collar

 

 

 

 

 

It's not difficult to assemble. You just have to make sure everything is fitted in the right place
MED have a gearbox assembly guide on youtube which is great

Pete

Edited by Petrol, 18 November 2021 - 02:55 PM.

[InnoCooperExport]

Glad to see you're moving in the right direction again! 

[carthorse]

I’d just like to thank you for this thread Petrol, it’s a really invaluable reference for paint and bodywork and has just saved me from making a potentially big mistake as I start prepping my shell for paint. I was about to spray zinc primer top of a rust converter and now I know that’s a no-no from your very clear explanations way back in this thread