375 replies to this topic

[mk3 Cooper S]

Take off the head and check the bores and piston movement, remove the gearbox and send to Guessworks and check the bottom end/ big ends etc.
If all good clean and paint.(more than likely if it has covered 40k of nn thrashed driving)
Rebuild head, re lap/cut in valves (consider unleaded conversion? depends on how much mileage you will be doing? I have never bothered and use an additive pesonally) Fit new valve stem seals/gaskets etc.
Refit gearbox when returned, fit a new clutch and paint/ polish as required.

[sheree&the-gt]

i can't wait to see this finished Juju & our clubmans can be friends @ shows

xx

[Ethel]

You'd be looking at about £50 and a fair bit of work just to find out. I wouldn't bother unless you have some improvements in mind, or there's a real need; especially if Tommy is going to be a weekend warrior and can take a sabbatical without subjecting you to the horrors of using public transport

Do a compression test, if you haven't already, and take it from there. Rebuilding the head will allow you to get a better idea of the condition and allow for some simple improvements if you fancy a bit of a tinker.

[Juju]

The gearbox doesn't warrant any fiddling with, and I'm loathe to take the rest of it apart if it's going to result in a world of hurts getting it back together again. I just want the minimum interference with it, really.

[The Matt]

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

I reckon just clean yer engine up until it's looking OK. As Eff's said, maybe do a compression test, but if there aren't any obvious problems then I'd just use it as it is to be honest. No point stripping an engine down when there's nowt wrong with it I say.

[Juju]

No point stripping an engine down when there's nowt wrong with it I say.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You say good things to lazy ladies like me.

[Tomf]

Yea to be honest if the engine is running good and your happy with it, why strip it down? especially if your not going to change anything, if its running well now then i cant see what there would be any problems...

Just give it a scrub down and a nice lick of paint

Love the project, hope you get the finish you after, after putting in all the hard work

[mk3 Cooper S]

Yes I think we all agree with the clean and paint it and forget it principle for a weekend car.
Maybe consider changing the valve stem seals as it has not been usd for a while as they do deteriate and age harden.

[bert998]

If it were me i'd change the valve stem seals and give the head a good de coking. Obviously that means a head gasket change. I'd also fit a new water pump and bypass hose, preferabably a minispares kevlar reinforced one as they are excellent. If your feeling brave i'd also renew the timing chain, simply because its soooo much easier to do out of the car.

[mk3 Cooper S]

And the clutch

[Juju]

Now I know what a clutch is , but will somebody please tell me what valve stems seals are & what they do?

Ficko
XX

[mk3 Cooper S]

Small rubber seals that fit on top of the valve guides.
To change them you would need to remove the head and remove the valve springs but this could all be part of the head de-coke rebuild. This would only cost a head gasket set which is about a tenner.
I could do it for you if you can get the head to me?

[clubman katie B.F]

Valve stemseals are rubber thingies, that go on your exhaust valves...they are like a washer and go underneath the spring. i think they prevent oil from getting out, but don't quote me on that...a sign that they are shot is when you are driving along, you lift your foot off the accelerator and you get a cloud of black smoke out of the back...they cost pennis, but you have to remove the head and valves to fit them.

[Juju]

Cheers Dudes.

thanks for the offer, mk3 Cooper S, but I reckon I could do it myself^*.







*says she knowing full well she hasn't got a clue what she's talking about but will spend the next few weeks reading up on it.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Yes I am sure you can do it it is not too hard at all.
In terms of tools you will need:
Valve spring compressor
Valve lapping tool and lapping paste
Valve seat cutter (only if the valve seats are badly pitted)

#1 rule - Always make sure that the removed valve returns to the same valve guide or location.
Give me a shout if you have any questions