My mini has got problems! Help!!!

[andyjjj]

Hi Guys

Just got my first mini (F reg 89 Austin Mini Mayfair) at the weekend, don't really know that much about them but:

1: I need a new battery, is there any sort people recommend?
2: Major problem, when I put my foot down and the engine gets into any sort of higher revs the engine starts jolting around!!! I have to relieve pressure from the accelerator and then try again, I have to now speed up very slowly and keep very low revs to get anywhere. Anyone any idea what the prob is and how I can get it fixed? When I press the accelerator sharply too I feel the engine jolt as well.

Thanks guys!

[ccharlie6]

i use an exide battery in mine and i havent had any problems with it.

engine jolting when you shove the accelerator sounds like worn bushes. i had something very similar when i bought the car, replaced the steady on the gearbox and also the bushes on the steady near the brake master cylinder (upgraded to poly bushes at the same time)

[miniman]

I agree, number 2 definitely sounds like dodgy engine mounts / bushes. One other thing worth checking - is the engine steady bar (that connects from the bulkhead to the side of the engine) (a) present and (b) in one piece?

You could also fit an "ultimate engine steady".

[cooperman]

Or is it an engine mis-fire when load is applied?
Normally the 'jolting around' caused by engine mountings/bushes only happens in the transision between 'power-on' and 'power-off'.
Possibly something as simple as plug leads or just a duff plug.
It could, of course, just be lack of oil in the carb dashpot.
It doesn't sound at all serious.
I would go for checking plugs, ignition & carb oil level first, plus a check on the static timing and points (if that model has ignition points - can't remember).
I hope this helps,

Peter

[andyjjj]

It happens during driving, but also if I have my foot off the accelerator and then apply it quickly then I do feel the engine 'jolt' backwards.

I'll get all those things checked and get back to you. Thanks!

[danwebster]

Have you checked if theres any oil in the dashpot, and if there are any pipes that have come off the carb.

[Cooperman]

andyjjj said:

It happens during driving, but also if I have my foot off the accelerator and then apply it quickly then I do feel the engine 'jolt' backwards. I'll get all those things checked and get back to you. Thanks!

Andy,

It does look as though you need to renew the engine steady bushes & check the engine mountings.
However, it also seems as though you could have an engine mis-fire and/or carb problem.
Why not do the steady bushes first, that's easy, then check over the ignition system and top up the carb with thin oil (not 20/50, use 3-in-1 or similar).
For the ignition system, I would change all the HT leads for a good quality set (from Halfords, for example), then change the plugs for new NGK's, renew the points if it has a points type distributor, and clean the rotor arm. Whilst about it I would get a new distributor cap as well, they are not expensive.
Finally, check the static engine timing - a Haynes manual will tell you how to do this, but from memory there are timing marks on the timing cover to make things simple.
Check all vacuum hoses from the carb and inlet manifold and fit a new air filter element.
If that does not make it run beautifully I would be very surprised. All simple stuff, too.

I hope this works,

Peter

[Wildfire]

The jolting sounds like engine mount, or steady bar, you will have probably broken the front one.

Basically what Cooperman said.

[minimax]

andyjjj said:

It happens during driving, but also if I have my foot off the accelerator and then apply it quickly then I do feel the engine 'jolt' backwards.

actually that sounds to me like one or more buggered driveshaft(s) - I have had this twice now and each time the tell-tale sign of the diff going was transmission 'slack' if you like on acceleration and deceleration - as in floor it and there's a split second delay then a 'tug' and the car goes horizonward

:throws2pintothering:



>> Edited by minimax on Monday 13th June 01:24

[cooperman]

minimax said:

andyjjj said: It happens during driving, but also if I have my foot off the accelerator and then apply it quickly then I do feel the engine 'jolt' backwards. actually that sounds to me like one or more buggered driveshaft(s) - I have had this twice now and each time the tell-tale sign of the diff going was transmission 'slack' if you like on acceleration and deceleration - as in floor it and there's a split second delay then a 'tug' and the car goes horizonward :throws2pintothering: >> Edited by minimax on Monday 13th June 01:24

When this happens, particularly in a big engined car, it's usually diff pin wear, which is why the 4-pin (cross-pin) diff is now so popular. I've seen a diff pin which was worn down from approximately 1/2" diameter to just about 1/8" and the car was still driving, but with the 'take-up' clonk very evident (as you might imagine). I kept that pin 'cause so many people wouldn't believe it possible for the car to be still going with it like that.

[andyjjj]

Yep it was the engine mounts, they were pretty screwed, I'm getting it sorted though. But also yeah the electric points were very worn too so that's sorted now.

Thanks guys!