So I've had the suspicion for a while that my 998 is blown. It drove reasonably well the last time i drove it to the mechanic but was blowing a lot of smoke on start up. so i did the usual thing and changed the oil, the plugs etc and it wasn't so bad when it warmed up. I took it for a spin around the block a couple times today just to try and blow the cobwebs out of it so to speak, wasn't pushing it hard or anything like that just a bit of a cruise. only to notice when i got back that the light knocking that it had to start with (sounded like a tappet) is now a very loud constant knock that doesn't go away even with revs up a little higher. on top of that the smoke is coming back even when it's warm and it won't rev up to speed properly any more either.
So the question is, am i right in my suspicions being that it's time for a rebuild or could this be something else and I'm just being paranoid?
Thanks in advance for any advice

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

could just be a loose tappet and some worn valve stem seals.

which would be an easy fix,

or could be something more serious.

When does it blow smoke, idling, on acceleration from a stand still, slowing down, all the time while driving? Is it definatly blowing oily smoke or fuelly smoke?
Regarding the noise is it a deep knock, increase with speed, as well as gets louder, does it go away, etc . . .
Have you done a compression check, cooling system pressure test, checked the rocker clearances, timing, s/plug condition etc . . .
Any further info would be helpful

Hi thanks for the reply. I'll do my best to answer but I don't know a whole lot about engines. The s/plugs aren't fouled they are still pretty clean, It's a deep knock and goes away at high revs, the smokes comes and goes but smokey when slowing down and under power. If im just cruising along it isn't there. I can't do a compression test as i don't have the tool to do so but I will see if i can borrow one and get back to you on that one. That's all i can really tell you with out getting some one to come look at it?

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

It may not be as bad as you think. Let someone who knows minis well have a look at it. I'd say it's something on or around the head, could be a blown head gasket, a loose tappet or worn valves. The tappets and valves are easily checked, and a compression test only takes 5 minutes if you have a tester.

My 998 developed a knocking sound, which turned out to be the old mechanical fuel pump that was still attached. It could be something as simple as that, and a good tune.

Hi, Yeah that's a good idea. I'm probably getting it wrong so I'm gonna get a mate who know's minis to take a look at it too just thought i would see if any one had any ideas while i was at it

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)