9 replies to this topic

[aguiloco]

Hello guys, my Mini was working right, then I tried to change the oil for the first time. Ground clearance for an oil catcher was limited so I tried to get the car up steel ramps, doing that I heard a loud CLACK!, I panicked and aborted the operation. I'm not sure if that sound came from the car or the ramps, I made them a long time ago and maybe a weld popped.

 

I haven't found anything strange with the car related to the transmission, both wheels are rotating so seems like nothing broke there.

 

Now the car is not running well, it bogs down, pops when you floor it, and dies at idle. 

 

There are a bunch of cables and connectors beneath the grill that I took off for the oil change, to be sure nothing electrical was loose there I have disassembled and cleaned all connections just in case, no effect.

 

Twing HS4 carbs installed.

 

In my last test, I noticed that gasoline was leaking from a hole in the float chamber, just under the hose connector. I opened it and I found gasoline inside the floater, I'm no expert but I don't think that's good. The other carb seems to have something blocking the hole that is missing at the leaky side.

 

 

 

 

Under further inspection I can hear and measure a considerable air leak at the right carb, it is sucking triple the air. Moving the piston by hand changes the leaky noise.

 

Considering the air leak, the bad floater, and the unknown service history, do you think a carbs rebuild kit could be a good option here?

 

Do you think something else could have failed during the ramp operation? I had to give it some gas and use the clutch, it is a new MED lightweight assembly.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

 

[sonscar]

The "blocked"carb has a shaped cover over the breather held in place by the fuel pipe.Air leaks and flooding floats are bad.Did the carbs bang on the cross member?Steve..

[aguiloco]

I don't think the carbs banged, recently I tightened all engine mounts, it is firmly attached.

I removed the carbs from the car, pretty easy job without the hood.

I'll disassemble them and inspect what's needed before purchasing anything, new floaters for sure.

I'm starting to think this car will need some sort of fast hood removal system, maybe those aftermarket hinches that puts it vertical.

[68+86auto]

The noise you heard is most likely just the ramps moving. As long as the ramps were aligned so the tyres would fit, nothing would've hit.

Edited by 68+86auto, 04 November 2024 - 12:13 AM.

[aguiloco]

Ramps were set in uneven dirt terrain, I don't think they move or hit the car, but could have flex. After inspection I found a weld without rust so maybe it popped, the rest of the ramp is rusty.

The matter is that before that the car was running fine, but I cans think of anything engine related that can make a CLACK sound and then run rough instead of a sudden dead.

I know there is a workshop manual for the HS4 to buy, but I wonder if there is some post over here with the key points to check.

[gazza82]

I know there is a workshop manual for the HS4 to buy, but I wonder if there is some post over here with the key points to check.

Hunt via google ... pdf copies are available

[aguiloco]

I tried but didn't find it, maybe with more time.

 

Haynes manual says to check for excessive play at the throttle spindle, mine seems OK.

 

The needles are straight and without marks, running true center.

 

I tested the piston seals against the dashpots using the method of closing the two air holes, they fall in 5 seconds so it seems fine, the accepted range is between 3 and 5 seconds according to one video I found.

 

I'm missing one spacer/gasket between the float chamber and the body.

 

I ordered new floaters, gaskets and the missing baffle plate at one inlet.

 

Hope this makes something.

[aguiloco]

Hello, I replaced the broken floater, fixed both chambers vertically as they should be, adjusted and synchonized linkages for throttle and choke, and the car is running fine again!

 

Now I can continue with the oil change at last.

 

After that, just 99 things left to do.

 

Cheers.

[bpirie1000]

Well done. Looks like you are being methodical and with that thought process i am certain you will get the mini in tip top condition very soon.

Well done.

Edited by bpirie1000, 27 November 2024 - 05:11 PM.

[aguiloco]

Thank you very much!

With time an patience I'll get there.

Cheers