So after getting furloughed as an airline pilot, following the recommended service intervals (I know, I know, I should have checked the oil), driving home from Detroit to Denver, my engine started to knock. I was stuck halfway through the drive and the engine was fried... Long story short, I am back in Denver and need to get my car up and running. (There is more to the story, but it would sound like a bad country song, and I am more into solving a problem then looking for sympathy).

I've had two different mechanics (one a family member) take a look at the car and they both said the best option would be to do an engine swap. I've been able to find engines online in the range of 2500-3000 dollars some with great warranties, but I just wanted to know if you guys had any advice as to what to look for when buying an engine. Remanned, used, etc...

Also, I will be picking up the Bentley service manual and attempting the long block swap myself. Are there any special tools or things I need to take into account? I am very mechanically inclined, but I've never attempted a job this large before. I am confident I can do it, but would like to do all the necessary research and do it right. Also, if someone in the area would like to help me, I can offer you some really cheap air fairs anywhere in the world. My benefits expire at the end of November though, and you fly standby, but if you fly before Thanksgiving, this is the slowest time of the year.

Thanks for everything in advance. Please no scoldings, it's already a low point in my life. I want my MINI back (cue chilis baby back rib song).

 

Wow! Sympathy - you may not want it but you got mine. Unfortunately that's about the best I can offer. We do have some very gearhead types in the club so I can put you in touch with a few if interested.

 

That would be excellent. I used to go on every Yalla Yalla but moved away for my airline job. I hope to hear from fellow Mile High MINI owners. If I can get the car back up and running, I'd even join up again. Hope to hear from everyone soon!

 

PM sent.

 

i can help do the swap

 

PM sent to you Tommy.

 

Hey everyone,

Swap is coming along very nicely thanks to the help of a few people on this board! I am currently looking for a clutch alignment tool in the denver area to borrow. If anyone can offer it, I may even have my car running MONDAY!!! Thanks again for everyone's help and continued support.

 

An update....

THE MINI IS BACK TOGETHER and driving!!! Thanks to all of those that helped with advice. I am eagerly looking to participate on some drives and events coming up. Lets make the best of my furlough!

 

Congrats on the successful swap! Can't wait to see you and your MINI out at some events.

 

I second the congrats on the successful swap. Do you mind telling a few details of the swap? Where did you purchase the engine from and what all did you replace while you had everything torn apart?

I ran into a similar problem earlier this summer and had to look for a new engine. My "new" setup is still running great with no problems after 4000 miles. I hope you share the same luck.

 

Sure. I got the engine off of ebay for 2500 bucks from miniworld in california. They are a mini dismantler. Unfortunately the engine was damaged in shipping because it was just laid on the pallet rather than strapped to it. A few brackets, valve cover, and thermostat housing needed swapping. Luckily these parts are fine off the dead engine. It didn't slow me up, but i am still trying to get things settled with the company since its about 400 bucks to replace all the stuff.

Onto the actual swap... The job is actually quite easy, but seeing things the first time (with my novice self and buddy doing the things) was quite tricky. For example, disconnect oil pressure connector... Which one is that? LOL. Then when you get to it, how do you disconnect it? These are the mickey mouse details that slow you down. During the job I labeled EVERYTHING, bagged all the hardware, and took as many pictures as I needed to. This made reinstalling the engine cake. The biggest pains had to be draining coolant (it gets everywhere), pulling the exhaust manifold (as the hardware is corroded), and pulling the transmission from the engine. Those were stuck together like white on rice.

Pulling the drive axles are also not fun as they require removing the steering knuckle and tie rods. I made the mistake of tearing the boot over the tierod as I used a wedge tool to separate the part. DONT DO THIS. Go to NAPA and use a little clip looking tool that resembles the one used in the bentley manual, and it works like a charm. It was an easy fix though. I used tire patch repair kit to mend the tears.

If taking on this job, also be careful with the slave cylinder for the clutch. Somehow during the pull we let air into the system and spent a good 8-10 hours bleeding the thing. Don't bleed like you do on brakes. Just gravity bleed it and be patient. It will work, but takes time.

Things to replace... Well I replaced intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, the hardware associated with both of those, tie rod hardware, throttle body o-ring, oil filter, air filter, plastic bracket that goes under the car that holds the o2 connector (i broke this on accident), waterpump o-ring... I may be missing a few, but thats what comes to mind.

Once the engine was out you have to swap the oil filter housing (if you have a manual and the engine came from an auto), the belt tensioner assembly, the alternator, ac compressor, supercharger, intake manifold, and transmission. Please keep in mind this is by no means a comprehensive list, just the major things that come to mind. Essentially we put the engines next to eachother and said, lets make this one look like that one. :P

I hope that helps a bit. With my new found experience I could probably do the swap with hand tools and jack stands in about 4 full days now, while the first round it took 60-80 hours I'd guess.

Thanks again guys! Ask questions, I'd love to share my experience!

 

Gosh, that sounds easy. I think I'll do it after work some night.
Congrats on getting it back together. Looking forward to seeing you at a ride or two.