Hi All,

So i've just got my clubbie's engine going after about 5 years sitting in the garage.

After adjusting the choke and getting the sucker started it seems to run ok had it running for about 15-20 minutes the other night, and tonight was running for about 5 minutes ok, both times stationary since there are no seats or anything in the car

I've noticed 2 things that I'm a little worried about, and would like some advice on:

firstly, after starting the engine the temp gauge shoots up to the top (hot) within about 10 seconds, would this mean the gauge is stuffed? surely the engine cant get that hot that quick when its like 10 degrees outside?

secondly, since i've started it there seems to be a "new" oil leak, aside from the years of oil drops under the car, it looks like there is some fresh oil coming out of a certain spot on the engine.. (now you will realise how much i DONT know about engines)
Under the spark plug on the drivers side of the engine, there is a little nipple type thing on the block, with a wire coming out of it and going back to the loom and through the firewall (i assume for one of the gauges) the leak appears to be coming from there.

Thanks

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

1/ I'd expect so!

2/ edit: oops! ignore that!!

for 1), what happens when you just turn ignition on? What does the gauge come up to?

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tim
68 Deluxe 1293, HIF44, megajolt/EDIS4, daihatsu alternator..

'a mini is for life, not just for christmas!'

Firstly is there any water left in the radiator? No coolant = temperature rise. If there is only air it will go up quickly.

Secondly, the wire is likely the oil pressure sensor wire. Is the switch (the bit screwed into the block) screwed in properly or cracked or something?

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

2 sounds like its leaking from the oil pressure gauge.

Have you got a manual??

Reminds me of a quote from a movie:

"If all else fails - read the instructions"

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

Plenty of water in the radiator, I topped it up the a few days ago.
I'll check what happens when just the ignition is on tomorrow.
I guess it probably a stuffed thermostat? or a blockage? is there any way i could test that?

From what you've all suggested, the oil leak i mentioned must be the oil pressure gauge... i might just buy a new one and replace it when i do an oil change on the weekend... Can i just get a new gauge from any car place? or are they mini specific?
I assume this is what i need? http://www.minisport.com.au/prod1099.htm

Thanks for all the help

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

I thought temp gauges stayed low when rad is empty/out of water, as there is no hot water in contact with the sensor

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tim
68 Deluxe 1293, HIF44, megajolt/EDIS4, daihatsu alternator..

'a mini is for life, not just for christmas!'

Check the guage by pulling the sensor out and place in a mug of boiling water with another thermometer to compare.

I'd be replacing all hoses, thermostat and water pump, while getting the radiator checked by a pro anyways.

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Might just be a case of tightening the connection to the block. Take a pic of what you have before going out and buying a whole new gauge - could be a mechanical gauge or an electrical one.

For what ever reason, it sounds like the sender side of the temp gauge is shorted to earth. Could be a wiring problem, but most likely a crook sender. That's the one that screws in to the cylinder head just above the alternator.

The oil leak is coming from the Oil Light Switch. It is not that un-common. Easy fixed.

You might also find that since it has been sitting for a while now, the oil seals in the gearbox and engine have dried out and gone hard, so you could soon expect to see these leaking too.

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thanks mowog... with your expert advice about the location of the temperature sender I'm pretty sure I've figured out that issue...

there is a wire hanging lose, touching the alternator (Grounding on it?), and above the alternator where I'm pretty sure the the wire should plug into the temp sensor, it looks like the connection has snapped off the sensor.

I'll get a new sensor and see what happens

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

Yep that will be the temp sender unit wire..

Your most welcolme! To be sure, the wire should be Green with a Blue Trace on it, most likely will need a good clean and often the Blue (trace) doesn't show up too well on the green, so it's little difficult to spot.

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