Hi all you clever Mini people. I have a problem that I find particularly strange. My little beast who goes by the name of Thomas, a 1964 850 with a 1974 998 engine plonked in several years ago, has recently developed a problem. Whenever I put it in reverse gear he coughs and splutters and even occasionally backfires! Seems to be under extreme load, and if I push him the engine stalls. Only in reverse, all forward gears are no problem whatsoever. I though initially maybe fuel line as the first time it happened I was reversing (or attempting to) up a rather steep incline...that would be my driveway. But it happens on flat ground as well, anytime in reverse. Maybe still fuel pump??

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated....oh, I am am certainly no mechanic, I can follow instructions if detailed and I have done quite a bit of work to the little beast following the Haynes manual, eg new wheel cylinders, pot joints, front ball joints, brake pads, radiator, steering rack and column and a few other bits, but I'm reluctant to tinker with the engine itself.

Does it still have push button starter on floor?
I one had a mini that was coughing and farting when on open road, turned out the exhaust was touching the back of the button at times and shorting the main electrics.
Just a thought.
Cheers Pete

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A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

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Hey, that's a clue! I recently replaced the floor starter button! The radio has also started cutting out intermittently and I haven't been able to find the cause of that. I shall check that tomorrow. Thanks!

I am actually hoping that is the problem now...its so different to the usual suspects

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

That will happen when a deluxe or later exhaust is fitted (ie ones designed to go around a remote gearchange assembly). It ends up shorting across the starter button terminals. Make sure it is an 850 exhaust that goes more towards the centre of the tunnel.

Had this problem with an 850 i used to own, but it happened in between turns 3 and 4 at Eastern Creek during a parade lap. Highly embarrassing.

I would also check your engine mounts and steady bushes because it sounds like the engine is rocking causing the exhaust pipe to move up and touch the starter terminals. It only goes in that direction in reverse. Also check the exhaust mounts on the rear subframe.


cheers
michael

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It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

What a wonderful place we have here.

No matter what your drama someone always seems to have a solution.

Brilliant I say

Rodney

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Sounds like the exhaust may be the problem, but just to be sure:

You don't get any grinding going into reverse? The answer to 'the engine struggles at idle in x gear' is usually because the clutch is dragging. No synchro on reverse means it will grind. If that's the case, give it a bleed, and if that doesn't fix it look at a new clutch hose and cylinder.

Thank you all, it was the starter button shorting out on the exhaust. A simple twist and now all good!

Glad you were able to fix it. I made up a bracket for mine to hold the exhaust away from the starter button.
Cheers Pete

_________________
A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE