The Mini has started getting blowby or pressurising the crankcase causing smoke to come out the oil filler and it appears to be getting worse.

Is it possible the head gasket has failed between that cylinder and a oil gallery??

there is no oil in the water & vice versa

or can the rings fail quickly?

if it is the rings is it easier to separate the block from the gearbox in the car and do or is it an engine out job???

Cheers

_________________

I'd do a compression test on all cylinders first.
Head gasket failure is usually between cylinders but yeah they can sometimes blow to a pushrod hole and pressurise the crankcase..
The whole lot has to come out to get the engine off the box.

_________________
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.

Yes.


And I agree with the Doc, perform a compression test before you go yanking motors out.

Do not do it cold though. Get the engine up to opperating temp before hand. Do two tests, one dry, and record the numbers. And for the second test squirt a few drops of oil down the spark plug holes. If the numbers are higher wet, then there is every chance the rings aren't sealing.

Headgaskets can blow between the firing rings and push rod holes, but it is not as common. Usually they just blow between cylinders though.

It would be a bit unusual for a head gasket to fail to the pushrod hole(s) without getting water in the oil though, so saddly I'd say rings, but do the tests ^^ first.

_________________

either way, probably best to just get a head gasket and take the head off.

if its the gasket your going to have to replace it anyway, if its the rings youll have a good sight at the bores to see if they are scored or damaged, worst comes to worst, a cracked head thats opening up when it gets hot.

as long as you havent got rattle noises coming from further below.

_________________
Aussie Leyland, Aussie Factory, Aussie Mini S.

If it is just the gasket, check the block and head for flatness.
Good idea to pull all the studs out and countersink the holes slightly, to remove any burrs. These burrs can stop the gasket clamping down correctly.

_________________
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.

cheers

to do the rings how long should that take to do doing it yourself and knowing one end of a spanner from the other but not a qualified mechanic

_________________

Replacing Rings in a worn out engine would be a waste of time and Money. Re Bore and new pistons and rings will be the proper way to go if that is the case. In other words a complete rebuild doing Crank bearings and the lot. Every thing wears out not just Rings. Otherwise you will end up with a half baked pie !

_________________
DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

It also stops the stud pulling up the gasket face on the block and causing a high spot, just de burring wont do that.....





You should get the block re honed if you are going to re ring. Dismantling the block shouldn't take half a day after you get it out....... I'd be inspecting the bearings and everything else as I pull it down too... it doesn't sound like this is an old motor, if the rings are nakked... then what else is?.... and why? Catch my drift? Cause and prevention?

<edit> just to clarify... this is why I thought it was a new(ish) engine ....

When I said countersink (drill) it, I meant that- not just file burrs off.

_________________
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.

yes, mine started getting LOTS of blowby all of a sudden a couple of years ago, went from nothing to looking like a steam train coming out of the breathers

I directed the breathers under the car to stop from gassing myself, and people thought it was on fire

thanks for the relys i will pull the head off when i get a chance and have a look and pray to the deity of choice that it is the head gasket.

if it is the rings i realise that other stuff may be worn i just didnt need all the extra expense and fartarsing around but what will be will be

_________________