I have an Austin Morris Mini 1981, 998cc on its way to the states from London, and would like to start the rebuild process when it arrives; even though the owner says that it runs great. Its coming from sea level, and I live at 5500. Should I have it re-jetted first? My goal is to replace everything under hood, what would be the order of the rebuild? Cooling system? Carborater? Engine? Hoses,lines?

 

Knowing how Minis are cared for in the UK, I suggest first change the oil & all fluids, & flush the cooling system. Then check hoses, belts etc. Tune it up. There probably is enough adjustment in the SU to set the carb, if not you can get new needles (and suggestions) at www.joecurto.com. Or download WinSU from the web to search needle profiles. Check compression. If it runs well, drive it. Enjoy. And get that silly grin off your face!

 

At the risk of sounding ignorant, what is the SU? Thanks for the reply and suggestions.

 

Also the website you included is not working.

 

SU is your Carburetor.

 

SU parts and spares are now made by Burlen Fuel systems in the UK, some history and info here:-

Burlen Fuel Systems

 

Welcome to classic Mini'dom newbie.... From your questions and my experience of not too many years ago I think I understand where you are at...and that's right at the beginning!

Your Mini, unless the engine has been modified, or is a re-vin of a later year with an injected engine, has an SU carb....SU for Skinners Union. Your idea of changing jets for altitude tells me you know standard carbs which is good. What you need to now learn about is the SU carb which is a little different. The key difference is "the needle".... Tuning the SU is really a matter of changing the needle. For example, if you replace the stock air cleaner with a K&N cone, you need to change the needle. The needle is your mix control in the SU. The web site you were pointed to had some guidelines...but appears dead. If you google SU Carburetter you will find many sources of info.

I start here: http://www.teglerizer.com/sucarbs/index.html

You may also want to pick up a book - I use
http://www.minimania.com/web/Item/BO.../InvDetail.cfm

but there are others



....

order of rebuild? well, all I can say having followed a similar path...bought a car from UK virtually unseen (I think that's where you are) ...

1. Take inventory! I immediately found I had an 'occasional starter' and a plethora of oil leaks (way beyond normal)...so what I planned to do first moved way back on the list.

2. You need to do a rust hunt. Your car has rust. Rust free ... Minis started to rust while on the assembly line. Clean off the bottom and the wheel wells REAL GOOD.....getting it on a lift and using a pressure washer ain't a bad idea. Steam clean the engine compartment. Lift all the carpet. SNIFF...if it smells bad there's rot aka water in there someplace....

3. Pump grease in every 'zerk' until clean grease drips on the floor. If Brit's are known for not changing oil what the 'bleep' does that say about greasing? I could NOT believe how much my ride changed after I greased the heck out of the car.....

My four best friends since getting my Mini:

Welding classes and a MIG welder
A small steam cleaner
POR 15 (Por15.com)
AutoBody/paint class

4. Drive it - after you verify it is safe....don't assume the brakes work..or the lites.....mine also leaked gas when I got it.....

Don't be frightened....I'm sharing my experience so you won't have to experience all the I did....and still do

 

Hey captain, Thanks for all the info. I do have some experience with carbs (Dirt bikes and old CJ5) but the websites and book that you suggested will help a ton. I figured that the car was going to need a good going through when it got here and your suggestions will help with a starting place. I would like to keep you in my reserves for help if that is okay with you and PM you with questions on occasion.

Thank you,
Diego

 

SU's are side draft carbs. You would have a single 1 1/4" diameter carb, possibly an 1 1/2". Likely a HS4 SU with a Waxstat (Capstat) jet tube. Buy an SU manual.

Change the oil & filter a couple times in the first several hundred miles. UK owners normally only "top up' oil, not change it.... I suggest Valvoline Racing VR 20W50. Bosch filter #3330.

Joe Curto, Inc is in College Point NY. He is one of the most experienced SU rebuilders in the US and has a large inventory of carbs & parts for Brit cars. What he doesn't have he can get, or make including needles. His prior career was as an aircraft machinist/mechanic. Don't know why the link's bad ? Hope everything is ok....

 

Burlen Fuel Systems are the only official manufacturer of SU Carbs and the website is not dead.
SU - News 2008 Link

 

Mixed metaphors

this link www.joecurto.com appears to be kaput

 

Mixed metaphors

 

Works today! Thankfully. Give Joe a try. He knows SU's! Appears he was down to add a "forums" feature to his website.

 

I am so jealous of you all that have Classic Mini's I'm definitely looking for the right one...

 

I would add in a Haynes manual just to see how all the basic parts fit together.
When I got mine I had many electrical "bugs" or then again might have been standard Lucas fault tolerances. The schematics in Haynes were my lifeline for the first 3 weeks until everything was working.

I'll add a for Joe Curto!

Get it running so it feels safe and start driving. If frustration sets in (make that when) go for a quick ride around the block, take a good look at the grin in your rear view mirror and all the issues will go away.

Good Luck and welcome to the madness!!!