ausmini :: View topic - URGENT - Watto needs help in Sydney

OK folks, I'm happy as a Mokee in mud.

It turns out it wasn't the diff after all, so even my previous best-case scenario was a little pessimistic.

It seems that the inboard CV joint (pot joint) was badly worn and the drive shaft popped out. It happened with such a bang, leaving me with no drive, that I thought it was the diff.

Incredibly, while towing it to my motel (thanks again Geordie), it appears the shaft popped back into place, though only just on the end of the spline and not all the way in. I never knew they could do that, but John Smidt rang me on Sunday morning and we talked about it and he said he had seen this happen before. I thought about, jacked the car up and had a look, then took it for a drive - to my surprise it actually drove. Thanks John.

That meant I had drive, but it was noisy and clicky, especially when under load like accelerating.

So, I had a very nerve-racking drive out to Greig Malaure's (Mini Classic) this morning in Sydney peak traffic, thinking at any time the shaft could pop out again and I would then find myself the subject of traffic reports about the latest hold-up on Silverwater Road ("There appears to be a little red Mini stuck in the middle of the road holding everyone up").

Anyway, I made it (phew) and Greig was able to sort out the problems for me. My heart-felt thanks to Greig - not only for doing the work, but being able to fit me into his busy schedule and get me back on the road today. All going well (famous last words) I will now be In Brisbane by Wednesday, so should not have to change any of my schedule in Brissie.

I am now looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Muster.

Thanks also to everyone for their support, phone calls, messages and emails full of kind words.

Cheers,
Watto.

Author:	watto [ Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:	URGENT - Watto needs help in Sydney - blown diff!
Yes, that's right folks. I'm supposed to be leaving for Brisbane tomorrow morning, from Sydney, but blew the diff on the Mini about 2 hours ago. Good mate Geordie Welsh towed me the 1km to my motel, but now I'm a bit stranded. I have had a couple of offers to help on Monday, but if we can get anything done tomorrow then it would be a big help. I realise it will be difficult for some because of Father's Day, and some are at Eastern Creek for MCM, but if anyone is able to assist tomorrow (Sunday) give me a call on the mobile - 0427 537 443. Here's what would be needed: A trailer and tow vehicle able to pick me up from Bass Hill (Hume Hwy). Facilities to pull out engine. A spare diff - not fussed what size, I currently have a standard Mini diff (although noty quite standard anymore). I realise as I am typing this just how big a job I am asking, but no harm in trying. If no-one can help get me back on the road tomorrow then I do have a couple of good offers for Monday. Thanks, Watto.

Author:	SuperCooper [ Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:
No good Watto! Was so looking forward to catching up! Hope you can get sorted and back on the road. Not much I can do tomorrow either sorry. Let me know if you still have time to meet, or need somewhere to crash on your way North. Cheers, Leigh.

Author:	Monte [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:27 am ]
Post subject:
No good - have a happy fathers day

Author:	Convertible Mini [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 7:19 am ]
Post subject:	Oh Bugger!
Hope you get someone to help you sort this Mini problem out. I can't do much for you from here unfortunately. Come on guys give the man a hand. Watto is a very important person in the Mini and BMC community. He has to be in Brisbane for the Muster next week end. Looking forward to seeing you there Craig.

Author:	watto [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 7:42 am ]
Post subject:
Hi people. Thanks for your kind thoughts. Now that it is the light of day and I have had a good sleep, I think it will b best if I hold off to get it done properly tomorrow (Monday). Have had a great offer of help. Worst case scenario is it will cost me a new engine and gearbox. Best case is a quick change-over of the diff. Either way I am hoping it will hold me up no more than a day or two, then I should still make it to Brisbane for the weekend - reschedule a couple of jobs from this week to next week, so hopefully not a disaster. Will keep you all informed. Cheers, Watto.

ausmini https://www.ausmini.com/forums/

URGENT - Watto needs help in Sydney - blown diff! https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=78278	Page 1 of 2

Author:	Monaco [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:48 am ]
Post subject:
Might pay to check the gear of casing for cracks! I would also replace the oil pump if you have broken the diff pin and give everything a good flush out. Good luck!

Author:	John Smidt [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:56 am ]
Post subject:
I just had a talk With watto, He has the repairs sorted

Author:	brett [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:
Thats good!!!

Author:	michaelb [ Sun Sep 02, 2012 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:
What's the latest Watto? Where can we see the famous Watto mobile being repaired?

Author:	watto [ Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:
OK folks, I'm happy as a Mokee in mud. It turns out it wasn't the diff after all, so even my previous best-case scenario was a little pessimistic. It seems that the inboard CV joint (pot joint) was badly worn and the drive shaft popped out. It happened with such a bang, leaving me with no drive, that I thought it was the diff. Incredibly, while towing it to my motel (thanks again Geordie), it appears the shaft popped back into place, though only just on the end of the spline and not all the way in. I never knew they could do that, but John Smidt rang me on Sunday morning and we talked about it and he said he had seen this happen before. I thought about, jacked the car up and had a look, then took it for a drive - to my surprise it actually drove. Thanks John. That meant I had drive, but it was noisy and clicky, especially when under load like accelerating. So, I had a very nerve-racking drive out to Greig Malaure's (Mini Classic) this morning in Sydney peak traffic, thinking at any time the shaft could pop out again and I would then find myself the subject of traffic reports about the latest hold-up on Silverwater Road ("There appears to be a little red Mini stuck in the middle of the road holding everyone up"). Anyway, I made it (phew) and Greig was able to sort out the problems for me. My heart-felt thanks to Greig - not only for doing the work, but being able to fit me into his busy schedule and get me back on the road today. All going well (famous last words) I will now be In Brisbane by Wednesday, so should not have to change any of my schedule in Brissie. I am now looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Muster. Thanks also to everyone for their support, phone calls, messages and emails full of kind words. Cheers, Watto.

Author:	Monaco [ Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:
Great team effort!

Author:	Convertible Mini [ Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:	Hurrah!
Great to hear all is well Craig. See you at the Muster Mate.

Author:	9YaTaH [ Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:
watto wrote: OK folks, I'm happy as a Mokee in mud. It turns out it wasn't the diff after all, so even my previous best-case scenario was a little pessimistic. It seems that the inboard CV joint (pot joint) was badly worn and the drive shaft popped out. It happened with such a bang, leaving me with no drive, that I thought it was the diff. Incredibly, while towing it to my motel (thanks again Geordie), it appears the shaft popped back into place, though only just on the end of the spline and not all the way in. I never knew they could do that, but John Smidt rang me on Sunday morning and we talked about it and he said he had seen this happen before. I thought about, jacked the car up and had a look, then took it for a drive - to my surprise it actually drove. Thanks John. That meant I had drive, but it was noisy and clicky, especially when under load like accelerating. So, I had a very nerve-racking drive out to Greig Malaure's (Mini Classic) this morning in Sydney peak traffic, thinking at any time the shaft could pop out again and I would then find myself the subject of traffic reports about the latest hold-up on Silverwater Road ("There appears to be a little red Mini stuck in the middle of the road holding everyone up"). Anyway, I made it (phew) and Greig was able to sort out the problems for me. My heart-felt thanks to Greig - not only for doing the work, but being able to fit me into his busy schedule and get me back on the road today. All going well (famous last words) I will now be In Brisbane by Wednesday, so should not have to change any of my schedule in Brissie. I am now looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Muster. Thanks also to everyone for their support, phone calls, messages and emails full of kind words. Cheers, Watto. Good news Craig....so had you lost/broken a circlip?? they should retain the driveshaft...

Author:	JC [ Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:
Assuming you've got free accom up here? I'm not far from the site and have spares beds/bathrooms.

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Author:	watto [ Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:
Hi Mick. No. Basically, the pot joint was stuffed and the inner part pulled too far into the pot - or something like that. Anyway, it was sorted with a replacement good s/h pot joint. Accommodation is sorted - staying with family. Cheers, Watto.