Hi guys, My poor mini has developed a knock. Its a 1989 automatic that's done 98000. Was driving great then I heard what sounded like a rattle under the dash , it them turned into a knocking sound. It only happens when accelerating . Idle dropped slightly. When not in gear it sounds normal ...no knock, only when under load and accelerating. The sound is coming from the left side top engine. The knock gets faster with acceleration. It is a knock not a ping. I checked valves they look good and clearance is ok. All fluids ok. Might be manifold gasket will replace tomorrow just in case. Can anyone tell me what it is, am I looking at a rod knock.....rebuild....please noooo.
Thanks

Does it have an oil pressure gauge?
If so what is it reading?.
A knock under load is usually a worn conrod bearing, or worse.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

no I don't have a pressure gauge, but the oil light isn't on at all.
I did just do an oil change , I put 10w 40 ma2 oil in. It ran fine for a couple of days. This was all of a sudden was running well then a small rattle then knock.

If the light comes on you're too late. From memory the standard ones come on at 10psi.

An oil pressure gauge is a must have for an old car

_________________

How are the driveshaft couplings?

_________________
"Show me the Mini!"

in gear, left foot hard on brake, right foot on accelerator? knock?

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Yep left foot on brake in gear knock knock. Just changed manifold gasket still knock knock. Its a rod bearing isnt it?

Sounds like it. Or worst case, a broken crank...

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Ok, so i have 1000 to 1500 to fix this problem. I have some experience with rebuilding engines. Can i do this myself? Or do i try to find another engine. Its an auto ....am i going to find it hard to source gaskets or are they the same as manual. I understand there is a special tool for taking of torque convertor , is this still available. Which manuel/book is the best to source. Sorry gor all the question im just trying to find the best course to take

The Leyland Australia black book has the full auto transmission section. Most others don't.
Getting the engine off the auto box is not hard except:
1. Flywheel puller will work on the torque converter.
But do NOT undo all 6 bolts. Leave 3 alternate ones tight or you can break the sealing inside the converter.
2. You will need a tool to hold the primary gear splines to allow the input gear but at bottom to be undone. This has to happen before the torque converter housing can be removed.

Gearbox gaskets are available from Karcraft, minikingdomonline or Minisport.
If transmission needs overhaul I would send it to Mini Classic in Sydney.

I doubt the crank is broken as autos are kinder to them.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

so I did a compression test and cylinders 1 and 2 are 180psi and 3 and 4 are on 90 psi. could this be an indication that the head gasket has gone?

Ouch! most likely or broken/worn rings in two pots

_________________
"Show me the Mini!"

that's great news!!

head gasket can make a loud knock-knock noise - I refer to it as "sounding like a tractor" - I'd definitely pull the head off and if the gasket is blown I'd replace it and see. $45 and a couple of hours v's pulling everything apart is worth it

1275's usually only go between 2 & 3, but can go between 3 & 4 too...

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

yep I hope it is the gasket. cant wait to get in there and have a look.

Head gasket mate. Cheap fix.
Use a BK450 composition gasket.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.