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 Posted: Sep 29, 2015 05:36PM
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GR
Quote:
Originally Posted by DS1980
I pulled off and used the choke to keep it running

First thing comes to my mind when i hear this phrase from my Mini friends that want my help, is the condenser..

Glad you sorted it out..

 Posted: Sep 29, 2015 02:19PM
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Well, after 2.5 years of a sitting mini, and trying everything short of a complete rebuild, it was the dizzy condenser.

Lesson 1: In order to fix a mini, you have to know everything about it. Thank goodness for mini forums

Lesson 2: Check the cheap stuff first.

Thanks to all those that helped!!

 Posted: May 18, 2012 10:18AM
mur
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Ah, no more wax to open the valve.

 Posted: May 18, 2012 10:06AM
 Edited:  May 18, 2012 10:07AM
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Trying to add a photo. Found out why it was overheating. One on the left is the new one, right my old one. Crazy.

 

 

 Posted: May 8, 2012 08:01AM
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US

It's better to use a timing light if you can but if you have the experience static timing can be effective.

Kelley

"If you can afford the car, you can afford the manual..."

 Posted: May 7, 2012 03:54PM
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I thought about the timing too. I tried to turn the distributor while I was under the hood and it was solid. Maybe I didn't turn it hard enough. I should probably look at the timing anyway since I've never checked it. Haynes says a static check should show right at TDC, but also says a check with the enine running is more accurate. Have you ever had an problems just using a static check?

 Posted: May 7, 2012 09:01AM
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US

You should check the crankshaft as mur suggested. Catching bad thrust bearings early can save your engine.

If the symptoms you describe are connected then there is a chance that the timing has become retarded (or possibly very advanced). This can lead to what you're seeing.

Kelley

"If you can afford the car, you can afford the manual..."

 Posted: May 6, 2012 12:48PM
mur
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Take a prying sort of tool.  place it between the crankshaft pulley and the lower rad bracket and press the pulley towards the block.

Carefully watch this pulley as someone steps on the clutch pedal.  If it moves towards the rad a bunch, and it will be obvious; then you have a problem.

I don't know if you hurt anything.  210F isn't very hot.  My sister once overheated a 1300 in my dad's mini so badly that the valve cover cap melted into the rockers and the head changed from orange to brown.  That engine wasn't too bothered by it.

 Posted: May 6, 2012 12:19PM
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Hi Mur,

Thanks for the reply. Do you think I hurt anything getting it that hot? Also, looking through my Haynes manual....nothing about how to check the crank. How do I do that?

 Posted: May 6, 2012 11:29AM
mur
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Carefully look to see if there is excessive crankshaft endplay.  If there is a thrust bearing issue, the engine will labor when the clutch pedal is depressed.

AS for the cooling issue, maybe your coolant was just low, and then it got hot, and so on.  An expansion tank is a nice touch for a hot 998 or a 1300, but an 850 should be fine anywhere with just the stock cooling system.

So, check the fluid level, check the cap, check for leaks, check for a stuck closed thermostat, check for a leaking water pump.

Flushing the cooling system never hurts.  I would consider a summer specific coolant mixture without antifreeze but with the correct amount of either water wetter or purple ice added to the coolant.

Murray

 Posted: May 6, 2012 10:53AM
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Hiya Mini-inians,

I had an odd day driving to lunch today in my 1972 850cc. Start up and warm up was normal. About a mile into to journey, when I would push in the clutch the engine would threaten to quit. I had to blip the throttle to keep it running. I pulled off and used the choke to keep it running to see if I could see anything under the bonnet (I will use "bonnet" instead of "hood" to "keep it real"). Nothing was obvious so I chocked it up to the idle adjustment screw working itself loose as it was kinda easy to turn and it ran normal after I hand tightened it a little. After heading back out I noticed my water temp has increased to 190. I have never seen it above 180. On the way to the store it got up to 200. On the way back I was sweating it as it got up to about 215 before I shut the engine down and coasted it into my parking space. It's about 70 today, and I have never had trouble overheating. Questions:

1.) Anyone think the two events are related?

2.) Did I hurt the engine getting it that hot?

3.) I think I'm going to reservice the cooling system. It it's not too complicated add an expansion tank as well. Does anybody have pictures/tutorial/part numbers of how/what to install for the tank? I'm pretty good with my hands I can insert Part A into Part B with the best of em.

Thanks folks. Hope you are all well.

Darin