D 302 GHA

[player14]

Well finally fed up witht the A-series so its onto vauxhall...

Heres the car before the blown A series:-

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1056.jpg

1600 8v being stripped:-

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Vini006.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Vini005.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Vini004.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Vini003.jpg

[Howie]

Thats a very nice looking mini, I've always had a soft spot for yellow minis. good luck with the conversion you won't regret it :D :D Glad you managed to find an engine, looks like the gearbox needs a bit of a clean though !

Howie

[player14]

the whole thing is being stripped and rebuilt. in the process of doing it. any tuning mods you can suggest?

[jasonb89]

throttle bodies or a decent set of carbs insted of the standard injection unit will see good power (and noise :twisted: ) gains. and good luk with the build mate

[wee man]

best money you will ever spend reliabilty and fun is un real

[player14]

What cam etc do you suggest to put in the engine?

[jasonb89]

all depends on how far you want to tune the engine, how much you want to spend and how driver friendly you want the car to be

[player14]

i would like roughly 120 bhp and it will be my daily driver so would like it to be responsive but not a pig to drive. Something equivalent to an SW5 cam for an A series.

[Howie]

ARP bottom end bolts are a good idea if you want to rev it :D , as for cams Migweb maybe able to give you better answers on that front, but I'm not sure the standard ingnition/injection would give you enough advance/fuel for a high lift cam.

The head comes off easy enough when the engines in the car so maybe do those at a later date just sort the bottom end to start with?

Howie

[player14]

The engine is now in bits and absolutely filthy!

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RockerCoverBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RockersBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/GearboxBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/InletBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/ClutchHousingBefore.jpg

Clutch, Flywheel & Pistons

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/ClutchFlywheel.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/PistonsBefore.jpg

Finally a few more pieces arrived yesterday

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Parcel.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Subframe-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/ExhaustManifoldBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/CVJoints.jpg

[player14]

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/GearshiftLiftBracket.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BulkheadPlate.jpg

Got the mini subframe out yesterday
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FrontSubframeRemoved.jpg

Also removed the dash and carpets...Was a bit messy in behind!

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BehindDashBefore.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/CarpetsCageRemoved.jpg

[jasonb89]

looks good so far ,keep up the good work!
p.s would you like to sell me that subframe with that setup on it :D

[player14]

i think ill be keeping that setup! :lol:

[jasonb89]

dont blame ya lol

[bodgeit]

looking good, shell looks prety solid :D

[bodgeit]

oops :oops:

[player14]

Did some more shopping today...

Plugs & Leads

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/PlugsandLeads.jpg

GAskets & Seals

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/GasketSet1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/GasketSet2.jpg

Water & Oil Pumps

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/WaterPump.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/OilPump.jpg

Piston Rings

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/PistonRings.jpg

Belts
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/TimingKit.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Belt1.jpg

Hydraulic Lifters

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/HydraulicLifters.jpg


Oil Filter

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/OilFilter.jpg

Cam Kit

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/CamKit.jpg

[player14]

Well progress has slowed of late...the engine is away being sand blasted before it is repainted. The subframe and other parts are also getting painted before they go in. and finally my dash is getting re-done aswell (waiting for new gauges)! So hopefully it will get a bit better this weekend!

[player14]

Been up to a bit more recently...

Bulhead has been cut

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/CuttingBulkhead.jpg

And the box is now in place

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BulkheadBoxWelded.jpg

Rubbed back the seams and then removed the front

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/SeamsRubbedBack.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FrontEndRemoved1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FrontEndRemoved.jpg

[player14]

Thought it was time for a further update...

Front subby removed and swapped

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FrontSubframeRemoved-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/TrialSubframeFitting.jpg

Steering Rack has been painted and received new boots

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/SteeringRackPainted.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/NewBoots.jpg

The car was moved into the garage where it was primed and painted

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Primed.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FinalCoat.jpg

The interior then got some attention

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/CarpetsCageRemoved-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Floor.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearFloor.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearSeat.jpg

The seats and seatbelts then went in

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearSeat1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearSeatbeltsFitted.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FrontSeatbeltsFitted.jpg

[player14]

A few parcels have arrived recently.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Fibreglass.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DzusFasteners.jpg

Ball Joints

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BallJointsx2.jpg

Brace Bars

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BraceBars.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BrakeLines.jpg

Bump Stops

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BumpStops.jpg

Downpipe

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Downpipe.jpg

Lucas Fog Lamp

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/LucasFogLamp.jpg

Rose Jointed Bottom Arms

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RoseJointedBottomArms.jpg

Wiring Loom

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/WiringLoom.jpg

[player14]

The dash has now been left in to be cut. Should have it covered and the gauges in this week! Ive gonw for somthing totally different that I havent seen in a mini before. Its all a bit top secret! :lol:

[player14]

The dash arrived back and Ive now finished it.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DashFinal.jpg

I had to move the air vents to allow for the roll cage.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DashFinal1.jpg

Switch Panel

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DashFinal2.jpg

Acwell Speedo etc & Push Button Start

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DashFinal3.jpg

Volts, Water Temp & Oil Pressure Gauges in front of the driver

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DashFinal4.jpg

[player14]

Got the carpets and steering column back in today. The subframe is also built up. And new door rubbers have been fitted.

[player14]

Got a good bit more done today...

The engine is in.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Front1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Front2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Side.jpg

Exhaust Manifold is painted anf fitted

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Manifold.jpg

Wiper motor is back in

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/WiperMotor.jpg

Sandwich plate for the oil pressure gauge is also in place

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/OilFilter-1.jpg

Wheels and suspension are refitted and callipers have been painted

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Calliper1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Calliper2.jpg

Also started cutting the fibreglass front

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Indicator.jpg

[player14]

The progress has slowed recently with 1 thing and another.

The fuel lines and tank will all be fitted this weekend, as will the brake lines.
Ive now discovered that i need the steering rack limiters from KAD. Hope to collect the hosing to plumb the car in the next day or two.
The front end is proving to be a nightmare! it wont fit at all no matter how hard ive tried. :evil: looks like im going to have to extend it myself a few inches and the recut it it to fit.
The doors are due back from paint soon aswell.
The wiring loom has also been re-wrapped...pics to follow soon...its now black and yellow! (was bored on day! :lol: )
Also i have been repainting the panel below the rear bumper as i discovered rust on it. and the boot hinges have now also changed colour!

[player14]

The progress has slowed recently with 1 thing and another.

The fuel lines and tank will all be fitted this weekend, as will the brake lines.
Ive now discovered that i need the steering rack limiters from KAD. Hope to collect the hosing to plumb the car in the next day or two.
The front end is proving to be a nightmare! it wont fit at all no matter how hard ive tried. :evil: looks like im going to have to extend it myself a few inches and the recut it it to fit.
The doors are due back from paint soon aswell.
The wiring loom has also been re-wrapped...pics to follow soon...its now black and yellow! (was bored on day! :lol: )
Also i have been repainting the panel below the rear bumper as i discovered rust on it. and the boot hinges have now also changed colour!

[player14]

So over the last 2 months there have been a number of problems... the front end didnt fit at all so i had to order one from Curley UK wich took 7 weeks to arrive! Probles with oil filters and hosing etc but now it seems to be back on track.

the rear valance area and boot hinges needed to be repainted.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearValance.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RearValance2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BootHinge.jpg

After trying to sort an alternator small enough to fit down the back of the block i decided to order the Allspeed alternator bracket. I then sourced a 120 Amp Vauxhall alternator from a deisel vaux.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/AltBracket.jpg

Pipercross air filter was then fitted

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/AirFilter.jpg

As were metal strips at the A panels for the front to attach to

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/APanel.jpg

The brake lines have been completed

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/BrakeLines-1.jpg

So were the fuel lines

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FuelLines.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FuelLines1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FuelLines2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/FuelLines3.jpg

[player14]

As you can see in the previous pic the exhaust is back on aswell.
Then we made radiatr brackets and also mounted the expansion bottle. The brackets need to be painted but that will be done at the weekend.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RadMounted.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RadBracket1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/RadBracket.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/ExpansionBottle.jpg

[player14]

Heres a taster of what has been done recently...

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1482.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1484.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1481.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1483.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/DSCN1485.jpg

More pics to follow tomorrow...

[getthewheelsinline]

Good Progress Peter - keep it up!!

Hows the front end lining up with the minitec hinges?

Was actually working on the front end wiring of mine today!! Should be MOT'd within the month!!

Monkeys!!

[player14]

The idea behind the hinge is good. though i had to modify it so it could be bonded to the front. the struts are far to strong so i had to go to the scrappies this morning to find weaker ones. if i was doing it again i would design my own hinge because i dont think that 1 is worth the money. :(

[player14]

The rear drums are now matching the front callipers.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08001.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08005.jpg

The washer bottle is mounted, plumbed and wired.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08009.jpg

The radiator etc is fully plumbed now.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08010.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08011.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08012.jpg

The hose reducers were made by a friend of mine.
A steady mount for the radiator was made to stop movement due to vibration.

After having loads of trouble mounting the alt. a new bracket has been made and fitted, complete with the belt.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08006.jpg

Headlights, grille, arches etc are all in place.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08003.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08002.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/25-4-08007.jpg

[player14]

As of a few weeks ago Pob and i managed to get the car running. Its only a short vid as the proper one is still on the video camera. The car is currently at the bodyshop but hope to have it back midweek.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/th_Video001.jpg (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/?action=view&current=Video001.flv)

[player14]

The car is now back from the bodyshop so here are a few pics.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image002.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image004.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image005.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image003.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image001.jpg

[bousfield19]

hi you will probably have to move your rad as i had mine mounted nearly exactly the same position and it kept overheating as there wasnt enough airflow through the rad

sorry to p1ss on your bonfire

jamie

[Pooler70]

Looking very good and neat and tidy! Airflow with rad's is a big issue. Aslong as you can get the air to flow through it you will be ok but where you have yours positioned you may struggle. See how it goes but keep an eye on temp! :D

[player14]

where did you mount yours after the move?

[Pooler70]

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x67/pooler101/DSC02656.jpg

Best pic I have currently. Since the pic I have cut holes in the front panel to allow more airflow but this rad and setup adequately cools this engine under extremes.

[MattG]

hi you will probably have to move your rad as i had mine mounted nearly exactly the same position and it kept overheating as there wasnt enough airflow through the rad

sorry to p1ss on your bonfire

jamie

it should be fine , the 1.6 can be cooled very well with a MPI rad

Matt

[evolotion]

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Calliper1.jpg

hope you have the calipers on the right side now :lol: nice build, tis very clean :)

[player14]

has been a while since i updated this so here goes...

Prgoress had really slowed recently due to a number of things...

1. A bleed nipple on the calliper sheared off and needed to be machined out.

2. 2 brake pipes had to be replaced as the kept leaking, as did the clutch pipe.

3. The brake pads needed replaced and had to wait a week for those to arrive. One of the old pads fell off the mounting plate as the calliper was being put on before i realised they needed replaced.

4. Electrics - this was a right pain in the ass! Lights worked, then they didnt. horn worked then didnt etc etc etc so finally thats all sorted.

Took the car out for its first drive in 11 months over the weekend and all seemed ok but then after 10 mins driving a problem arose!...

Steam poured through the dash into the car so a quick pull of the handbrake and the car stopped...bonnet open, more steam.... it turned out that the expansion bottle was in trouble...it was fixed with a bit of fibreglass months ago where there had been a slight crack but with the pressure of driving this had completely blown apart! havent taken any pics yet but will do so tomorrow hopefully!

So after all that watch this space as there might be some news very soon... :wink:

[player14]

well as of 8.30 this morning the car passed its mot! they put me through even though i didnt have my reg doc. with me, my old chasis plate was lying in the car, an indicator had a lose connection and a slight oil leak!

anyway on the way home the temp soared...even thugh the fan was correctly wired in and the temp sensor for the ecu was working. it rose really quickly to about 230 F and i lost power so i immediately pulled over. Found that it had emptied the expansion bottle completely so left it for an hour or so and then filled it with water and tried starting it...wud crank over but wouldnt fire up...

Left it a further hour a the side of the road and came back to try again... this time with a bit more water and the engine cooler it fired up and managed to drive about 2 miles before the same issue happened again but this time i stopped when the temp started to rise. it runs but doesnt sound great so am worried incase the engine is fucked!!!

anyway will take it apart tonight and see what the problem is.
at the start of the build the water pump was replaced, it has a new mpi rad with fan, all hosing is new but the only part i can think of that isnt is the thermostat.

so any suggestions would be great as i have to have it fixed by sunday as it is being used for a charity event!

peter

[MattG]

where did the water go ? it must have leaked out somewhere ?

Matt

[Owen]

where did the water go ? it must have leaked out somewhere ?

Matt


Unless it's in the oil...has the oil level risen?

[player14]

car isnt at mine at the moment so cant check the oil level.

there was water sitting below the expansin bottle on the gearbox but there was a little steam coming out of the air filter on the inlet manifold. there was also a bit of water sitting around the expansion bottle cap and a bit leaking from a hose at the front of the engine.

if the water has leaked into the il im assuming the head gasket has gone then?

[player14]

just checked the dipstick and the oil level is normal and there is no trace of water in it at all. but there is more water leaking from the rad hosing.

[MattG]

my bet is , you got a leak , lost water , over heated it and done the head gasket :cry:

Matt

[player14]

the car starts and drives but on start up it has a knocking nolise that stops after a few seconds. the car is down at the mechanics now so he will look at it tomorrow and hopefully shed some light on the situation.
he doesnt think it is the head gasket that has blown as it was brand new and there are no signs of its failure. hopefully it will be a case of the thermostat sticking and causing the problem that way but only time will tell unfortunately!

ps anyone got a spare 1600 8v!? :lol:

[Andy_S]

Have you plumbed in an open or closed water circuit?

If it's an open system, did you fit a cool running stat? (80+degrees)

If you use the original stat from the closed system but then run open, you can easily boil off the coolant. (It's best if you run a lower temp trigger for the fan too.)

Fingers crossed you haven't blown the gasket or worse still bent the head.

Lovely car BTW. :D


Andy.

[player14]

what do you mean an open or closed system?

[Andy_S]

The old Mini has an open system so that when it overheats the expanded water/steam pisses all over the road via the little tube on the Rad.

The Vaux has a closed system and the water reservoir acts as an Expansion tank and there's no point in the circuit where expanded water/steam can piss out. This system eventually blows off through the refill cap.

Closed systems can run at higher temperature than open systems.

......... all comments subject to my usual lack of understanding of PHYSICS. :D

[player14]

with you now. the top of the engine seems ok but there is horrendous knocking from sump/crank area so am going to lift that off tomorrow and see whats there.

[Ozium16v]

Did the radiator get hot or did it have cold spots? Was the top hose and return hot?

There doesnt have to be oil in the water or vice versa for a head gasket to have gone.

Easiest way to check head gasket is to put water in the system before engine has been run, let the engine run for a couple of minutes (1 or 2, NOT UNTIL HOT!!!!), then release the expansion bottle top. If you hear a hiss and pressure being released then the engine is pressurising the coolant because of a head gasket failure! Or if you leave the expansion cap off and run the engine you will see bubbles rising through the coolant in the expansion bottle!

Im afraid to say the symptoms do sound like head gasket failure between the bores and water jacket, I have just suffered the same fate with my daily drive Vaux :(

(EDIT knocking from start up could be water drawn into the bores when the piston is on its downward stroke just before stopping the engine, this would also explain steam from inlet!)

I would strongly suggest stumping up the extra cash for a MLS (Multi Layered Steel) Gasket, as I found the fibre gaskets were pants and replaced it twice :evil:

Sorry for my grim readings, Good luck getting it back on the road now you have an MOT!!!!

[player14]

well after the over heating problems i took the engine apart and found that the crank and bearings were scored so badly they would need reground/replaced. on the advice of vauxhall mechanics i know a regrind was out of the question. after weeks of looking an suitable engine could still not be located and the cost of a complete rebuild was crazy so took the cheaper option....

and this morning took delivery...

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine001.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine002.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine003.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine004.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine005.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/engine006.jpg

Its a brand new c16se. it came completely built up except for extras such as the inlet manifold and coil pack etc. so that gives me 2 weeks to get the car back up and running. Engine is going in this sunday so watch this space.

Ps anyone with a c16se and an mpi rad could i see pics as i may be moving mine!

Cheers

[Carl S]

Your a very lucky man to find a brand new engine which is now quite old (NOS)!

Looks great as well :D

[player14]

friends of mine work for vauxhall so they pulled in a favour! :lol:

[Carl S]

Are there any more where that came from? lol

[player14]

aparently any vauxhall dealership can get them for you!

[Carl S]

No way! i'll be on the blower to vauxhall then when i need one, lmao

[player14]

After the engine over heated the rad position was of a bit of concern to me. i didnt think that it was getting sufficient air flow to it as less than half of if was getting directly infront of the grille.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/rad001.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/rad002.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/rad003.jpg

So tonight i spent a few hours trying to re-work it all...

The front end was cut back some more to allow more air to flow in.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/rad004.jpg

We also remade the brackets that allowed the rad to be moved more towards the centre of the grille. This ment that it was at less of a slanted angle. will post some more pics of it tomorrow after its been painted etc.

[player14]

well its been an eventful last few months for the mini so time for an update...

firstly the brake master cylinder failed and a few weeks later the clutch cylinder lost fluid and failed aswell. I couldnt understand what had happened and so after several phone calls to rob at allspeed he said to check the engine mounts and position. i noticed that the engine was resting against the master cylinders and putiing pressure on them causing failure.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image025.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image024.jpg

so after some fiddling the engine was repositioned and there was space between the cylinders and inlet manifold.

To adjust the gearbox mount the radiator had to come off. this was both good and bad...i had intended to replace the rad as i was not entirely happy with it because when you were sitting in traffic the temp rose right up and i was worried that if i was sitting too long it would cause problems.

After a trip to my local factors we came up with several rads that may fit.

Metro Turbo
1400 Vauxhall
1600 Vauxhall
1500D Rover

So templates were made up at the 1600 vauxhall (corsa) unit was ordered.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image047.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image048.jpg

However the dimensions i was given didnt include the tanks on either side of the rad and so it didnt fit! Major panic as this was at 6pm on the 23rd december!

At 8.30 on xmas eve i was back on the phone to the motor factors and had the 1500 D rover unit ordered and by lunchtime i had it at home! Panic over!

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/eastcoastminis14/Image051.jpg

So this tuesday should see the rad in and the clutch problems sorted...touch wood!

[GRIFF2494]

hi there mate

very long time no hear, and no updates :-(

so hows the mini going? ive only seen you round in it once,saw u in b&q

mines not far off finished now :-) ,well it want be painted either lol but should be running :-)

griff

[player14]

Well after two years since my last update it was about time for another one! have hardly touched the mini since the last update...lost interest after the continual problems.
Had it driving for a while and then off the road again and today was the first time ive worked on her. The engine is coming out to i can repaint the subframe etc and re-do brake lines. basically just tidy it up. so a few hours today had it stripped back so the engine can be removed. pics of the progress will follow in due course. the aim is to have it finished taxed and mot'd by mid March!

[getthewheelsinline]

Hi Peter,

Glad to see you have re-kindled your interest in the mini!!!:O)

Look forward to the updates - might give me the motivation to get back out to the garage - just been so busy of late!!!

Callum

[GRIFF2494]

hi there pete

long time no see/hear, glad to see your back working on her!
i no u had lots of probs but at least yours is drivable lol mine still not ready :-(

just needs a respray now but as always getting the time is a real challenage :-(
when i was in belfast i got plenty of time but now with 6mnth hols to very very hot places lol and then when back at work over here in germany i only get between 2-4 days off per mnth :-((and its more like the 2 lol)

time for the mini is hard esp as when off wife and kids sulk when i do the mini instead of spending time with them lol

keep in touch,u got my email addy (well u did have lol)
griff

[GRIFF2494]

just noticed mate,you say you getting probs with temp/over heating???

it may not be your rad from the above photos it looks like your header tank (water bottle) is very low !

that needs to be as high as poss! needs to be higher than any other water pipe on the engine/heating/rad else

1. it will not bleed properly
2. water will not get round the engine as should do

so instead of water pumping freely around the engine the water pump will have to work twice as hard and the water will not be running throw the rad as freely as it should be thus getting very very hot ,and eventualy coursing majour probs like hgf

griff