616 replies to this topic

[timmy850]

And if the distributor drive spindle is out by a tooth there’s absolutely no problem with just rotating the distributor around until the timing marks line up. The only time you’ll have an issue is if the distributor body or vacuum unit hits something like the starter motor

And just get it close enough to start, then reset the idle timing till it’s at the right reading

[johnR]

It wants to run, fires then dies so I'm not far off, I'm guessing small adjustments to timing and another pair of hands to operate throttle/choke and we should be there.

[johnR]

She runs! one float bowl wasn't filling and the throttle arms were catching ever so slightly on the side of the inlet manifold. A drop of fuel in the carb throats then got it going and a smidge less advance got it running well (for a short while - no rad or exhaust fitted yet) I'll add air filters, exhaust and cooling system, check it starts reliably, then back in the car. Whew!

[johnR]

The engine is now finished after lapping in the weeping coolant drain tap and tightening up the water pump bolts. I have also put the new rear loom in, now need to solder bullet connectors on some wires and make all the boot connections before I re-fit the tanks etc

[johnR]

Starting to get the parts together for my fuse/relay panel which I hope will sit under the passenger parcel shelf

[johnR]

I've been a bit tied up with Jo, my Series 2 Landy project, but I need more space in the garage and a classic vehicle on the road for when Summer arrives, so moving the Mini re-build on ticks both those boxes as I've currently got both fuel tanks, the 1293 engine and various other parts that could all go back on the car with a little work. To that end I finished re-spraying one tank today and will do the other this week.

[johnR]

The tanks are back in and I took the exhaust headers of the engine this evening ready for a touch up of heatproof paint before the engine goes back in. I still have to sort the front loom and fuse/relay board but I think the motor in place may spur me on.

[johnR]

Finally the engine is back in! New mounts mean that the bolts don't line up of course, so I will remove the top bolt of the engine/rad mount so it can swing in, bolt the other rubber mount to the subframe then jack the engine up until I can get the engine/rad mount bolt back in. Then I've got to fiddle with the exhaust to make it clear the 'new' sump guard  - I think just turning the 'Y' piece up the other way will do it. Then carbs, starter and alternator back on leaving the front wiring loom as a winter project to have it back on the road next Spring? We'll see.

[Down&Out]

Love the super clean work!

[johnR]

Got the bolts in eventually by rocking it forwards, lining up the front bolt loosely, rocking it back until I could get a screwdriver in to line up the back holes, tighten the front nut/bolt to hold it in the correct place then using a magnet to hold the rear bolt whilst inserting it down through the holes. I hate that job, but it is a challenge that gives a certain satisfaction once done. Starter bolted in, gear linkage and exhaust/carbs tomorrow.

[johnR]

Carbs back on today, now need to connect up the throttle, fit the rear exhaust section and re-fit the brake servo/master

[lsto]

Just read through this whole thread, very nice work, keep it up. Looking forward to seeing it back on the road.

[johnR]

Just read through this whole thread, very nice work, keep it up. Looking forward to seeing it back on the road.

You and me both!

[johnR]

Brakes fitted and bled, exhaust mounted (needs a new rubber as one starting to split) - just the throttle linkage then wade into the loom replacement.

[johnR]

Spent way too long connecting the throttle as access is poor between the big fat HS4s, then moved on to the heater and choke cables. I'm sure both were working when I took it off the road about 3 years ago - now the heater cable has parted company with the tubular section with the knob on it and the choke cable has started unravelling so will need replacing as well!