Getcher car back in running order, Chris. There is no sense in hurrying now. And, after all, haste DOES make waste, especially if you work too fast! You'll be up and running again and back in fine race form a lot sooner than you think! :cornut:
Not much going off with the Mini these days. As you know in the Gen 1 section I've been working through the engine misfire problem which I hope will be solved this weekend. So currently the Mini is sitting rusting outside in the monsoon rain. Unlike the rain the rallies have dried up. At least if there are no more rallies I have a fun road car! I'm sad to say I've sort lost interest in the Mini due to I'm so busy at work and the problem dragged on. Saying that once I'm behind the wheel...all will be forgotten!
Awww thanks Modfather, there are some good stories shared in MA. You taught me what a rat rod is! Once again the Mini said "no I'm not running" the saga continues.
All the detail are in the 1st Gen Cooper section so I bore you will the details. The only rally in CR was the one I missed! They just canceled the season due to planning and lack of cars. Hopefully 2016 will be better! Meanwhile I'm counting the days until I can drive the Mini again. I was looking for options: like convert it into a BBQ/Jacuzzi Old Seat car transformed to Jacuzzi - WhereCoolThingsHappen or maybe some place to keep bird or some other creature.
I'm not cracking the Champagne just yet but today the engine ran for the first time since july without the misfire. As mentioned in http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper/25493-urgent-help-needed-27.html I pulled the plug off the Tmap and the engine ran fine. This is very good news but also frustrating because I replaced the Tmap with a new one so maybe the engine harness I replaced was bad? or there is a leak some place? Good news is I'm getting close!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah After 4 months and enough money spent to buy another used R50 I'm getting to the point of looking to go back to Subaru. I've owned around 40 cars and 5 rally cars and the Mini takes the number 1 spot as the worse car I've ever owned. For the amount of money spent already I could have been running an STI or EVO and winning rallies with a reliable car. The Mini has class,style and when running is a blast to drive but I'm getting to the point of enough is enough. Even the 1989 Suzuki GTI was more reliable!
Yes It has been quite a year. I remember having a rough running engine with the Legacy back in 2006 but the process to find the problem without a scan tool was much easier. Turned out to be the MAF, swapped it and bingo it was fine. A misfire on the Swift took some finding but turned out to be the distributor module. That's the issue with rally cars, the electrics get shook to death and finding the issue is a nightmare. I know the issue is simple but with the Mini having so many sensors replacing them has been expensive. Ah the days of distributors, double webers and simple electrics. I'm trying to be positive and hopefully I'll find the issue but the past few months have drained me.
Sorry to hear that the problems are still continuing Chris. A Subi would be a better option for rallying though. The MINI was never really meant to be a rally car, but you gave it one heck of a good effort!
Ah Modfather thanks, that was last week! I can't give up on the Mini. Plus the reason I got the Mini was to be different and gain sponsors. 2015 was not for us. Roll on 2016!
Now I know why I was having issues with the gears on the day of the rally. Last night while testing for the misfire the throw out bearing let go! At first I thought the engine was going to explode! I had the engine running at 3500rpm for about 10 mins with a stick on the throttle. I was listening to the engine when this metallic noise started and got worse. I thought the head was about to explode, so I dipped the clutch and all was quiet. I suppose the competition pressure plate expired the throw out bearing? So even if I find the misfire I can't drive the Mini....looks like gearbox off again! LOL
Given all your problems this one should be the least concerning since you are a wizard with the taking apart and reassembling the Midlands transmission.
Keep plug'n or is that seeking the elusive mis-fire. I hope 2016 is a clean and fun year for you and the Rally MINI. Don
The good thing is the Mini has done about 4 miles since July so for sure the bearing would have exploded on the rally resulting in a retirement and maybe gearbox/clutch damage. Ah yes I'm not bothered about replacing it as I can have the box off/on in half a day. They don't have the part here so I'm contacting trusty Eminiparts. I hope someone is coming down here next week.
Well that's 2015 over down in CR for me! the Mini won this year but I'm still confident the engine will run again. While I'm in the US the battery be sent off for a testing and I'll be bringing a new alternator with me in Jan.
Merry Christmas Chris! May the Elves bring you a New Year gremlin free MINI. It has been interesting to read this saga. Don