grr!! the mini is running as though it is only firing on 3. Compression tested it, and getting between 1000-1200 on cyl 1,2,4 but 3 is only getting around 500. Took the plug out and smoke came out which leads me to believe something is wrong with the exhaust valve? I took the rocker cover off and it seems that all the lifters are dancing like normal.

Help? Please?

Might not be exhaust valve, but while you had the rocker cover off, was there tappet clearance on all valves?

If tappet clearance was OK then you will (at least) need to take the cylinder head off to find out if it is top or bottom end.

I don't understand.. how do i check clearances and the such?

Search is your friend
Cheers Pete
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10528

_________________
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

ok so i just checked it all. Cyl 3 was out a little bit, so i re-adjusted and did the compression test again, but its still reading around the 500 mark. Also noticed quite a bit of oil in comparison to the other cylinders. This leads me to believe maybe the rings are going? Haven't noticed any blue smoke, but i have notice a little bit of smoke.

I would guess that it is a burnt exhaust valve.

New ones are cheap, I'd rip all the others exhausts out too, recut the seats, & fit 4 new valves if there is any doubt.

_________________
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.

i'll just drop some money into the spare 998 i got sitting in the garage, get it fully rebuilt so it will be reliable...ish.

Recommend me a engine rebuilder to get the job done quickly and right?

Try matt the mini man

ken at mini automotive in ipswich sorted me out