12 replies to this topic

[supersimono]

Morning all,

 

I have stripped all the components of the engine (1275) as I had intended to remove it to do some minor repairs and replace subframe mounts but as I want to drive it this year I've started re-assembling it.

 

As I was replacing the gearbox steady, I noticed a small crack in the flywheel housing near the lower fixing for the starter motor. At least within the time I've had the car (over 10 years) I've never had the engine out, dropped it or had an accident so I don't know what caused it :/

 

My question - is this car something to be concerned with or should I replace the housing?

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[sonscar]

It is not a ten minute task to replace this.The starter has possibly kicked back at some time.I would just drive it as you have already been doing.The worst outcome would be the starter breaking off,this may occur somewhere inconvenient so you have to balance this.
Beware that I am not a mechanic or engineer,Steve..

[viz139]

Looking at the sealant between flywheel housing and block I would think it has been apart before which means the clutch was off. Sometimes when removing the clutch people hammer it through that hole and sometimes they miss the hole. If it hasn't failed in ten years I'd leave it alone.

[Ethel]

You could probably get it welded without dismantling. The starter will be trying to open it up, though there's still plenty resisting that, when it turns. Where the other end of the crack is would be of greatest interest.

[Carlos W]

I've got a spare one but it would need bearings

[supersimono]

Thanks for the advice - I spoke to my friends dad (he’s a mechanic) and he said similar things. I ended up taking the engine out yesterday (first time ever doing it, never been so nervous 😅) so I’m going to replace the housing.

Seeing as I’ve got the engine out, apart from giving it a good clean and a new coat of paint, is there anything else I should consider doing?

[Quinlan minor]

Thanks for the advice - I spoke to my friends dad (he’s a mechanic) and he said similar things. I ended up taking the engine out yesterday (first time ever doing it, never been so nervous ) so I’m going to replace the housing.

Seeing as I’ve got the engine out, apart from giving it a good clean and a new coat of paint, is there anything else I should consider doing?

Fit a new clutch, complete with release bearing and, probably, an oil pump.

Check valve timing after inspecting/(changing, if necessary) timing chain.

[MiniMadRacer]

If you are going to remove / replace that housing, I would replace the

 

1) primary gear oil seal, and shim the gear properly

2) Replace all the housing bearings

3) Check / shim the idler gear properly

[sonscar]

Have you got the flywheel off yet?Steve..

[supersimono]

Hi Steve,
 
finally got it off today! I thought I was doing it wrong since it wasn’t budging but kept going and then (as expected) it went with a bang 
 
cleaned the engine up and bit and the housing, crack was bigger than I thought on the housing…

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[Cooperman]

Whenever you take a Mini engine out and remove the engine from the gearbox, it is wise to measure the crank end float, inspect crankshaft thrust, main and big end bearings and renew if worn, ensuring the crank has the correct end float when re-fitted.

A new oil pump is low-cost as is a new timing chain. Also inspect the cam and cam followers, valve seats and valve guides.

Also check that the tops of the bores have no steps where the top ring comes to.

It is so easy, in relative terms, to 'refresh' an engine when it is all on the bench and parts are not expensive and easily available.

Also it is sensible to check the diff pin for wear. They do wear and the resultant 'free play' in the transmission is not good. Again, an easy and low-cost thing to change.

It's always nice to know, when refitting the engine/'box back into the car that it is all in good 'nick'.

[bpirie1000]

Planning to change it or replace it? Difficult to find a good alloy welder.

[supersimono]

Replace it I think. I might check at work if we know any suppliers who can do alloy welding to save me buying a new one.

Thanks for your help guys, I’m starting a post in projects as I don’t want to keep this topic good for more than needed.

The more I take off to ‘clean’ the more I keep thinking I might as well do other bits 😅