I'm collecting parts and tools with a view on spending the first week of June doing both the clutch and timing chain.

Two things I'm wondering about

1. To do all of the below jobs, do I keep the engine in or is it easier to just remove it and do everything this way?
2. What other jobs should I conciser doing at the same time

Clutch

• Clutch Kit - Valeo single mass flywheel conversion
• Crankshaft Rear Seal
• Throwout Bearing Guide Sleeve
• Throwout Bearing Guide Sleeve Bolts
• Input Shaft Seal
• Upper Release Fork Bushing
• Lower Release Fork Bushing
• Clutch Relase Fork Bolt (3)
• Slave Cylinder
• Sump drain plug - I haven't been able to get the one fitted off yet (oil extractor was used for 2x services)
• Fuel Filter
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket
• PAS Hoses - one of these is leaking bad enough I want to replace it
• Expansion Tank - mine looks old and I believe these go

I also managed to get a hold of a stock LSD and will be doing it's bearings.

Timing Chain

• Timing chain kit
• Gasket Set - to solve some of the oil leaking around the engine
• Deflection pulley - I replaced the wrong on previously

Bushes
I'm also doing the following while I have access

• Upper Engine Mount
• Lower Engine Mount
• Gearbox Mount - I couldn't find on in stock and will be using the Powerflex inserts here

There is the rear control arm bush, drop links, ball joints etc I probably should do, but after buying all of the above as well as tools for this my bank account is really hurting, a lot! Have I missed anything here I can add to my to-do list while doing all these jobs?

 

I would remove the engine and transmission together for that work. I've never pulled a Mini engine/trans but I have done plenty of Volvo and some Ford. IMO, the biggest hassle is mating the transmission back up to the engine when you're ready to put it back in the car.

 

It may be easier to pull it... Connecting / disconnecting the shifter linkage and several of the bell housing bolts would be far easier. That said, modmini has a good video series documenting the process for the clutch. Most of those items could be done along the way without pulling it.

Access for the timing chain is reasonable once you pull the wheel. Mod a mini h(different YouTuber) has a video of the timing chain replacement without pulling as well.

So... Not necessary but may make some steps easier.

 

Drop the subframe and take the motor out , it’s so easy mod mini posts very good and detailed videos

 

I farmed out my clutch work, and most of these "while I'm at it" tasks when I first bought my car. Independent shop with a lot of Mini experience did the job, and said he found it faster to pull engine and trans together. Plus, it makes it easier to give the whole engine a once-over, inspect back side, repair little things on the stand.

 

It seems overall it's probably easier to do everything or hey at everything with the engine removed. I've just ordered the bushes for the front end to as I realised how much easier they are with everything out.

I've watched some of the suggested videos but I need to study up more on the details over the next 2 weeks

 

If I recall, the clutch job video he uses an engine support bar instead of pulling the motor. You may need a hoist anyway. You will also need the belt tensioner tool (homemade or purchased).

For timing chain, you will need a crank pulley puller, cam locking tool, and a puller for the crank sprocket as well.

I can't think of any other specialty tools.

I am yet to do my timing chain although I have needed to do it for the past 5k miles... Saving up for the crank pulley, idler pulley replacements + AC.

Definitely post up how it goes and the issues you face.

 

I had some of the tools mentioned but had to get the cam locking tool.

I think he used a engine support bar for the video you're thinking of. With access being so tight and a number of other jobs I want to do I think the engine out is going to be handy. He has 2x engine out videos, I don't think I can match his faster timed one

Will post it up in my thread how I get on!

 

Yes, pull it out.
You don't have to drop the subframe.
Bag-N-Tag everything, plenty of pics.
It's actually not bad at all.
​​​​​​

 

engine support bar with a ratchet strap on the trans is the best way to dismount and mount the trans , pulling out the subframe is the fastest and most accessible way for everything, and the cam locking tool is worthless, it’s used to keep the cam in place so you don’t get it out of timing , just use a electric ratchet and boom your good lol

 

Snapped one of the strut pinch bolts but eventually got it out. So far, timing is done and the bushes almost done to. Clutch today and oil leaks after

 

Outstanding! Get 'er done!

 

It's though going! Clutch, timing, couple of gaskets and lsd fitted while my brother did all bushes except the top mounts. It's almost back in, broke one of the house t pieces at the neck of the engine