Following on from this post... http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7707

I finally got around to taking my 1275 LS into the Mini guy (Albert's Car Care for those playing at home). Took him for a drive in it, and he pretty much knew straight away. Giving the symptoms, he said that it is one of the main bearings in the gear box. He had one sitting on the floor and shown me what he was talking about. He said he'd get the engine out, split the gearbox from it, and get the gearbox dismantled and cleaned by his gearbox guy to find out exactally what damage was done.

Called in today (it's on the way to adeee's mother's place) for an update. He said he didn't have a definate answer from the gearbox guy, but the center bearing and layshaft looked shot. The gears and all were in good condition, which makes sense, because it's been a very smooth gearbox up until the problem.

I was gunna replace the clutch while I was at it, we have a new PRB kit that dad musta got cheap, but the clutch that was on it was like new, and is a Borg & Beck, so that will go back on.

Another thing he noticed after he pulled the engine out, was that a few of the engine breathers were BLOCKED UP! I didn't even know about that, and explains why it blows white smoke when i've REALLY pushed it HARD down the great ocean road. Anywho... will get some nice fangled engine breathers onto it when I get it home.

The timing chain is very sloppy, too, so that will be replaced with a double row newey.

I'm still debating whether to get the cam ground. I know what it will be ground to (RE13 of course), but don't know whether the extra labour will hurt me too much after the gearbox fix. Apparently the 1275 LS engine is harder to get the cam followers out of because it's an A+ (no side covers). The cam grind is about $100, right?

So yer, that's where i'm at.

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Poeee, if the motor is off the box, the cam followers are easy to get out. Just turn the motor upside down, or on its side.
Pull cam out, then followers.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

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67' Matic
73' S

YEAH $100 is about right if you take it to him. Need to add return postage etc if not.
Ring him to make sure.
(02) 9630 2195.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

thanks

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67' Matic
73' S

He said something about the head having to be taken off, but I think it would only be the push rods, right?

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you dont need to take the head of for that the push rods lift out through the head
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

I'd take the head off, port it while U wait for the cam...
And,,, it's easier to put the gearbox on the upside down block, and less chance of getting an oil leak at the half moon seal..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Update.

Apparently it was dodgy workmanship when it was rebuilt last time. No lockplates, nothing was torqued up right (just tightened as tight as they could). Something must of caused the layshaft to come loose, or the bearing on the layshaft stuffed itself. The reminance of the bearing screwed the cluster gear and took 3 teeth off second.

It's getting rebuilt at the moment, should be back on the road at the end of next week, or start of the week after that.

Oh... cam wasn't done, too much expense as it is.

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Well I am glad to hear that at least this time around it will be put together by someone who knows what he's doing! Hope you're running soon Poeee!

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I think you should sell it. TO ME

POee...congrats that you have found out what has happened to the LS....But I'd check and see if you can get a new cam in considering it would be only smale amount to upgrade...and you will notice the differance...Yes I know you have the van going now...but...maybe you can get someone else out of the Colt... having two on the road

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

I bet the box rebuild will cost a pretty penny Probably all labour too!!