Another Top Engine Rebuild
 

Yet another engine failure....BUT, nothing is too hard :)
1 burned exhaust valve and the rest seemed a pit risky for me. So I decided to replace all exhaust valves. while there, I replace the stem seals, put a new timing chain kit, front main seal, turbo oil feed line.

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If it is not your first failure, something is going wrong. You seem to have a real money pit and I don't understand why you are doing just half a valve job.

How old is it and what kind of oil are you putting in? This has far more to benefit by using the specific oil and filter recommended for these engine and nothing how often you drain.

lol

The title title was in reference to the N14 engines in general, my friend. This is the first and hopefully the last failure of this engine. I can only assume why this one failed and i think it has something to do with walnut blasting!
Why did i do half valves? Becuase the intake valves are in excellent shape with minor carbon accumulation.

I have not changed the oil and filter yet but that will be next. I only had the car for 3 weeks and bought it with issue it had.

I hope this explains!

Indeed, a very courageous purchase to buy a used Mini. I would not have the nerve to do it.

I have a friend who was a MINI Technician until he moved to a Porsche dealership. He currently has something like six MINIs he bought with engine issues that he is repairing for resale. He's already sold several more, including my previous 09 S Clubman. He can buy them, fix them, and sell them pretty quickly. To paraphrase our conversations, there are only so many things that can go wrong, and he can fix all of them. The key variable seems to be whether or not the block can be saved, which is possible in most cases. For someone like me, buying a busted MINI would be risky, but skill and experience removes that risk for some. From what I've seen MiniToBe post, it appears that he falls into the same category as my friend!

sad. yeah. they're buggy. you have to be aware of the history otherwise you're buying sh*t. mine had a good history and still had to replace timing chain, water pump, fuel pump, crank seal, yada yada yada. hahaha. the cars are whores. fun to play with but expensive to keep visiting.

Lol...they're interesting either way ;)

Second Gen MINIs may follow in the footsteps of other enthusiast cars.....handed down through a sequence of owners until they find an owner who appreciates them and is willing to spend the money or can DIY to keep them on the road. Examples include the original 240Z, the Datsun 510, first and second gen Mustangs, and even the BMW 2002. These cars went through a "trough" when they were not appreciated and considered too expensive....were followed by less appreciated models, and eventually gained cult followings. Just speculating....and probably wishful thinking on my part. I really enjoy driving my R55 JCW, even with it's N14.

I own a fully original 240z maintained to specs since 25 years ....... even wheels and hubcaps and original shiny orange paint. There is a price to keep them running and looking at their best but they are history and milestone as sports cars.

I consider the original Morris Cooper S a similar milestone and I would like to find an affordable one. I don't think any new generation Mini will ever reach collector status. It is more like buying a used Porsche

lol I said that about the 240Z. And I use to own 2 of them. But sold them saying they'll never be worth more than a grand. hahaha

Sorry. When it comes to car collecting you can't read the future.

You're probably right, collector status like the 240Z or 2002 isn't likely for the 2nd Gen, but gaining a following as a fun to drive car, with a group of dedicated owners is a possibility. As far as dollar value goes, very few cars are worth an "investment" and as soon as they are, they seem to typically attract a different sort of owner than a grass roots enthusiast....in other words, money tends to kill the fun factor and the cars often aren't enjoyed by being driven...not a strict rule.....my only point is that 1st and 2nd Gen's stand a chance to become an "enthusiasts car" for many years....I'm not counting on this, just speculation as I sit here in front of my PC on a Wednesday night in July.

Yes you can.

Back in the 70's, I was a young engineer out of college driving a 510. I was aware of the 240Z design from the Toyota 2000GT to become a hit as a future collectible. It took me 20 years to find a mint one. I bought at 29K and is now after all this time at 140K on the same engine.

Of course, this one gets oil change at every 2K but still running fine. A lot of money involved along the years to keep it all OEM original and reliable.

:popcorn:

Yes, a car for gearheads....lots of tinkering opportunities with decent payback in terms of driving fun and enjoyment with other like-minded souls.

I couldn't agree more :)

Instead of making another thread, I decided to continue here, although it is just a normal N14 engine....

I bought an 08 Clubman S from a NAM member whose engine was toasted. So, I did my N18 swap on it for temporary use. In the meantime, I'm going to rebuild the original engine to swap back. I had a upper bottom block I had sitting in the garage. I also had some parts i accumulated over the months. I ordered rods and main bearings and TTY bolts. I have a pair of exhaust valves and other seals and gaskets and not to forget new piston rings and timing chain kit.
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The original thread went sideways as they usually do. What happened to the first engine in the original post?

it's my fault lol...the project was completed and the engine ran like a horse. I took it MD to break it in, sort off. Then sold the car ;)

I got a bunch of leftovers from previous works. I needed to buy new main and rod bearings. So far got the crankshaft installed and torqued. new front and rear main seals. last night got the pistons in with new bearings and rings. today will be installing the oil pump and oil pan.
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let the oil pan dry overnight. installed the new water pump. the bottom half is almost done. next will be replacing bad valves and stem seals.

added some more pictures. Over the weekend, i got a chance to swap back the engine in the car. few front end accessories to be installed. stay tuned :)

wow. thnx for the pics

Yet another chipped/burned valve AND a piston/piston wall damage. parts are on order. I might use an N18 short block on this one!

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