This has probably been covered in another thread, but I couldn't find anything with a quick skim.
I'm familiar with doing valve clearances using the rule of 9 method, but another method that exists is to adjust cylinder 1 with cylinder 4 valves "on the rock", and same for cylinder 2 with 3 "on the rock" etc. etc.

Does this work satisfactorily on the a-series?

(Half as much work in turning over the engine!)

Finally, and for trivia only, do the gun mini mechanics do clearances with engine running? My uncle used to do his truck this way as I recall.

Matt

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

The "on the rock" method as you call it works as good as any method on the A series engine.

Don;t bother trying to set the clearances with the motor running, For one thing it will make one hell of a mess!!

Dave

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In the BMC production "Horses to Horsepower" there is footage of a Technician adjusting tappets on a running motor on a test Dyno at the Sydney BMC plant.

Not a Mini engine but A series I think.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

I am reminded of the belt change conducted on a running VW!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhfcdQf1QA

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

Sitnlo62 is on the money on this one Matt. Years ago i had used the 'wet' method without a great deal of success. I've a close mate who served his time on BMC cars and worked on them 'til retirement who suggests dont even bother with the engine running. And he was talking up the 'on the rock' method but without using that term. The alternative to cranking is to push the car in third or fourth gear with the plugs out and its no bother. That be my preference. Hope it helps...

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..still waiting for the Italian Job sequel to see if the bus went down

Thanks. I adjusted them today - just set it in third and pulled the car. Didn't even take plugs out, but shoulda! With only four positions to set, its only a 10 minute job. Trouble is, its still rattling. Any ideas? It's a rattle, not a knock, and doesn't sound like timing chain. Has a new rocker shaft and the A+ rockers (sintered type). What methods exist to diagnose it? Or would an expert ear pick it straight away?
Thanks!

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

If it sounds like it's 'rattling' it could be the idler gear or stretched timing chain!

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

Thanks Shane. Could be either, but the chain is very new and it sounds very much like top end. I'm also thinking push rod or lifter, but I'm not sure what I'd be looking for. Mind you, solid block, so lifters is a big job!

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

My 1360 engine developed a hell of a rattle from the top end.

With the tappet cover on run the engine then with a longish screw driver use it as a sethascope you will soon hear what end the rattle is from.

Take tappet cover off and with engine stopped check for slop in the rocker gear around where you think the noise is coming from.

My guess is either a worn rocker bush or valve guide.

Mine was a worn guide, the guide grabed the valve at some stage .

It was very hard to detect with the valve springs connected.

Kiwiinwgtn

Thanks Kiwi. I'll try the screwdriver, and whip the cover off again and check for slop in the rocker arms. Be great to find something, even if it means work. And it probably does!

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine