Most liked posts in thread: Heeeeeeeere we go! (Fiona's 2011/2012 Service Project)

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  1. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #71 Minidave, Oct 27, 2014
    Snake a mirror up there or shine a strong flashlight down from above and make sure you have the hoses on the right connections while you're in there.

    It's possible there's a blockage in the fuel line, tho unlikely..... if you have an air compressor you can wrap a shop rag around your air gun and blow into the tank - pressurizing it - that should force gas down to the engine too.....don't get carried away tho, you don't want to balloon your tank!
     
  2. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #74 Minidave, Nov 3, 2014
    Well done Matt!

    Definitely get the timing set and a rough set up on the carbs - as the engine breaks in you'll want to fine tune the carbs a bit, so you may as well learn how.

    There are lots of articles written and YouTube vids about how to synchronize and tune the SUs, it's really not hard at all, just a bit fiddly.

    And you need one of these to do it right - they're not expensive and if you're going to run multiple carbs on anything, it's a really useful tool to have.....

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    It's called a Unisyn, and you use it to make sure the airflow between the carbs is the same - I've had mine since the late 60's and still use it on my old Jag.
     
  3. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #80 ImagoX, Nov 8, 2014
    WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!

    Still needs timed and tuned, but Fiona officially can move under her own steam! Thanks everyone!!

    --M
     
  4. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #88 ImagoX, Nov 19, 2014
    I used a custom-made front wheel tow dolly for the classic end and a standard ball hitch on the new MINI - the dolly has a big bolt right at the center point between the wheels, allowing the entire assembly to pivot in sharp turns (you just can't back up):

    [​IMG]

    I've seen others use a draw bar with all 4 wheels on the ground, too. the new MINI has enough power to move the classic around - Paul in Dayton has taken his classic hundreds of miles. :)
     
  5. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #91 ImagoX, Nov 20, 2014
    Looks like new parts will NOT be required (thank God)... just waiting for the final test drive. The technician found a few small issues, but nothing major - apparently my Crack Team's (tm) installation skillz were up to the task. Maybe I'll even be able to drive it tomorrow if the weather holds! (((crossing fingers))) Pics will follow.

    --M
     
  6. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #2 Crashton, Nov 29, 2011
    Better get off the computer & start a wrenchin. :wink:
     
  7. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #3 Redbeard, Nov 29, 2011
    I'm a fan of the last bullet point. :D Sounds like one heck of a project. Good luck sir.
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #7 Crashton, Dec 3, 2011
    I like your cheater bar. I have few of those myself.

    Congrats on a good start Matt. :cornut:
     
  9. KittyMini

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    #8 KittyMini, Dec 4, 2011
    Good luck!
    Thanks for the process info and pics :Thumbsup:
     
  10. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #9 ImagoX, Dec 13, 2011
    Decided to pull the rest of the block... Pray for me. Not sure if this can be done with the head off or if I'll have to wait for it to be re-installed - checking on some forums.

    If anyone is in Central Ohio and is interested in participating in the tear-down, see HERE - the more the merrier.

    Hopefully I can find someone with a hoist. :)

    Off to look at parts! Many, many parts... Oi.
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #10 Crashton, Dec 13, 2011
    Of course you can pull it with the head off. Much lighter that way.

    Rent a cherry picker from the local rental shop. You'll have it out in less time than it took me to type this.
     
  12. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #11 ImagoX, Dec 13, 2011
    Sweet. Do you know all the various gaskets I'll need to sort all my leaks? I already have new head, fuel pump, thermostat, exhaust manifold, rod-change oil seal, and rocker cover gaskets but what about all the rest?
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #12 Crashton, Dec 13, 2011
    Just me, but I would replace every gasket you have access to. Might as well do them all while you are there.
     
  14. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #13 ImagoX, Dec 14, 2011
    Besides the list below, what should I be looking at? I already have gaskets for:

    Cylinder Head
    Fuel Pump
    Thermostat
    Rod-Change Oil Seal
    Rocker Cover
    Exhaust manifold

    I also plan to replace the CV boots (Paul helped me replace a blown one a few years ago but the other is God-only-knows how old) and re-pack the bearings. Anything else of a linkage-type variety I should be thinking about? What about motor mount bushings or similar? I already have bushings for the engine steady dog-bone AND a secondary steady that bolts to the base of the thermostat (if I can get the %$#@! fasteners off the mounting plate on the firewall). :mad2:

    I also need some sort of clutch kit - does anyone know of a nice already-assembled kit, or must I order piecemeal? I know I need new plates and the wear items that connect the controls to the actual engine but I don't know the specifics.

    Thanks!
     
  15. paulsminis

    paulsminis New Member

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    #14 paulsminis, Dec 15, 2011
    Matt,

    If you are going to be at the breakfast Saturday the 17th, let me know and I can supply you with a spare "tropical fan" if you so desire....from my personal stock of used stuff. I am proud of you taking on this job. You are going to learn lots and lots!

    Paul
     
  16. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #15 ImagoX, Dec 15, 2011
    Thanks, Paul, but I ordered a special "low profile" plastic fan already - I went with a replacement 3-core fan and it's a tad thicker than stock. That reminds me - need to drive the radiator over to the shop to have a proper drain plug braized in. :)
     
  17. paulsminis

    paulsminis New Member

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    #16 paulsminis, Dec 15, 2011
    Also, come to breakfast and I can probably answer some questions and may be able to lead you some parts if you need them. Including a clutch kit -- do you need a Verto, or regular clutch?
     
  18. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #17 ImagoX, Dec 15, 2011
    I'm not sure - someone sent me pics of the verto/pre-verto clutches with the levers highlighted. The car's at my friend's house so I need to go over and check. :)

    Unfortunately I don't think I can make it to breakfast this week (have guests coming into town) but I *may* be able to get away early. Hope so... Thanks!!

    -M
     
  19. paulsminis

    paulsminis New Member

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    #18 paulsminis, Dec 16, 2011
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2011
    It's embarrassing that I don't know, as I've spent time under that bonnet. I can't see the clutch end of the engine well enough in your pictures above to see which kind you have either, drat!
     
  20. ImagoX

    ImagoX New Member

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    #19 ImagoX, Dec 17, 2011
    PRE VERTO (lever highlighted):
    preverto.jpg

    VERTO:

    [​IMG]
     
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