31 replies to this topic

[pete l]

I've yet to see an A series that doesn't puff out a bit of blue smoke 

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Yes that's true. You are correct with the previous posts. Once I fitted the spi head the smoke stopped for a while. I had the spi head skimmed and the guy in the machine shop said that the valve guides had a little play but nothing to worry about. I just want to know for certain that it's the head that is the problem

It could be worth looking at the rocker shaft too.  If these are worn (as they often are) it can allow a lot more oil out between the rocker bushes which then gives the valve seals a lot more work to do.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

The thing is that the car also has megajolt fitted. Unfortunately no one down our area can tune it up. Its a very reliable system but I could sell the megajolt system and the mg engine and two heads, the big valve head and spi head as well as a hif 44. I got the chance of a 998 that has only done 33k and drives lovely. The 998 has a hif 38 and stage one kit too. I don't really need the extra power as I don't race the car about. Also I would love to go to a 3.1 diffs as the 3.44 is too low geared for me as when I use the mini it's usually for long distances with the family.

998s are great but if you go higher than a 3.44 diff it kills them.  If what you want to do is use the car for long distances with the family and you don't race it about I think you're better off with the larger engine, and it'll pull the higher diff ratios.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I've yet to see an A series that doesn't puff out a bit of blue smoke 

There's no reason why they need to.  Something's wrong if they do.

[cal844]

I've yet to see an A series that doesn't puff out a bit of blue smoke

There's no reason why they need to. Something's wrong if they do.

My minis don't smoke unless on choke

[germini30]

This is the old head and one inlet valve removed

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[germini30]

Two inlet valves I mean. Cylinder 3 and 4

[germini30]

I was thinking if it was ring's then the valves wouldn't get coked up. I think the oil must be running down the stem

[cal844]

Valve stem seals, do a full head refurb

[germini30]

As in guides, a de coke etc. I don't want to do the head and then find out that it still smokes

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Well it won't be any worse than it is now and with the valves coated like that the head certainly needs sorting. 

[germini30]

That head was cleaned up about 500 miles ago so I will take the springs off later and I bet the valves must wobble all over the shop in the guides. Thanks for the advice. I don't really want to go back to 998 lol. I may put the 3.1 diff from my old 998 in this 1275 if I stop the smoke

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Get new valve springs too if you do the head - they're not that expensive.

[germini30]

Yeah OK will do

[mk3 Cooper S]

Oil control rings on 3 & 4 for my money.