G'day All,

Glad to be here finally. My Dad and I have just bought a '69 Cooper Clone as a project and are fairly chuffed with it. Needs some TLC but that is what we got it for.
It appears to have a problem with No2 valve as it will find it's idle nicely at rest but as soon as load is put on it just really has no power until you sort of get going.
Give it a hill and back to 1st gear.
Any of you had a similar problem or know if this is a major or minor (no pun intended) fix?

It is a really strong little car otherwise and you can feel the potential there. I would just like some advice on this issue.

All responses greatly appreciated.

Regards
Tim
Toowoomba Qld

Tim, what makes you thinkithas a number 2 valve problem?
Dave

Is running lean?

The bloke who we got it off (an engineer from the RAAF) was adamant that it was number 2 valve. I haven't really seen enough of it to be definitive but am going on what I was told, felt and heard.

It may just be a bad HT lead/contact or even spark plug.
We had to leave it down at the vendors place as I just didn't want to drive it back with that lack of power. It may also be just a tight valve.

Thanks for your replies so far, please keep them coming.
You can hear it under load and according the seller it is a valve problem and I tend to agree with him but hope it is something even easier.
I have rebuilt and fooled around with heaps of other cars so am no stranger to shade tree mechanics and feel quite comfortable with doing whatever is necessary but I was just hoping this may be and easy fix.

Once again, looking forward to your replies "Oh wise ones"

Tim

one stuck valve wouldn't make it do that.... not back to 1st gear on hills

sounds like he either doesn't know, is going off what someone else told him, or is spinning you a line

I think it needs a good going over in all areas, loss of power like that could be all sorts of things - I'd suggest ignition

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I can think of one valve that would make it run like that.

I don't think butterflies count here

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

No I was not thinking butterfly valves.

Next guess?

Phoofer valve?

Oh OK, PCV Valve, split diaphragm?

How about the fuel pump valves.

If it has a stuck valve causing low fuel pressure it would be back to first up hills.

Yeah, like I said, Phoofer Valve

It has a electric fuel pump so that sort of negates the fuel pump issue.
I was thinking electrics straight away and sorry, but I sort of got waylaid by the valve issue.

Thanks for all the replies fellas, please keep them coming. This is a project that both my Dad and I have dreamed of for years but me being away in the Army and he having little time we have only just realised it. It would good to just drive it home but I don't want to have to drive 3hrs back down there to stuff around with electrics.

Better to pay the money and get it back up here at home and look at it here.
Anybody know any good Mini specialists in Toowoomba?

Once again, thanks for your replies, please keep them coming and we will see you at the meets in the near future hopefully.

Cheers
Tim

Mate, I have sent you a PM with a couple of names

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

Sounds like a big flat spot.

Could be sticking piston in carb. Stick your finger in the air passage and see if the piston(s) lifts and returns smoothly.

A compression test should highlight a dud valve.

Might also be worth checking valve clearances. Too small a gap can mean a follower will ride on the back of the cam when hot and not close properly. I would imagine the previous owner would have checked that though.

These are a pretty simple engine. Any decent mechanic should be able to diagnose the problem with all the good diagnostic gear they have these days.

Pete