Hi all -

2002 MCS, 124k miles; electric blue (the color's not that important but...). It lost power and was running super rough, lots of lights on. The first shop scoped the motor and saw metal bits n pieces in cylinder #1, and reported zero compression for that cylinder. They have not taken the head off but suspect an ingested valve, and conclude it needs a replacement motor - $4-$7K. That's probably more than the car is worth (running), but I have a little attachment to the $3K for a new clutch and axles I put into the car in February of this year. So yes, still going through the seven stages.

I'm looking for advice from members -

1) Any reason to doubt that the motor is not repairable?
2) Anyone run into a similar scenario and what did they do?
3) Have you ever sold your non-running mini?

any and all thoughts appreciated...

 

What is the condition of the rest of the car?

If you repair the motor, how long will the rest of the car last before needing major work?

If the rest of the car will only last another year or so without major investment, might be worth it to either rebuild the motor, or have a low mileage unit swapped in.

 

Well you did ask.

1.) If the motor is blown then most people would junk it.
2.) If you are able to turn wrenches than a used motor may be the answer as you already have the money in the clutch. The cylinder is probably grooved from whatever it ate so a head only might not be in the picture.
3.) If you are unable to turn wrenches, go back to Number 1.

 

There's a complete motor for sale in the Marketplace section right now... If you do swap in another motor, there are still a whole bunch of useful parts on the your current motor for your inventory or for parting out to recover some cash...

 

I like this flow chart. There's a lot of wiggle room in "turn a wrench", along the lines of "...how hard could this be...?" thanks!

 

ModMINI has yourtube videos on the Gen1 MINI.

Just remember that as I have said in other posts, your MINI that is the most beautiful car you have ever had becomes the biggest b_tch when you start working on it.

 

This is really a question of passion. The car is not worth 4k. I am not trying to be rude, I have a 02 that I am trying to decide if I wont to sale. I know I should sale it but I really love the car. Lets double what the cost of the engine is. Say someone handed you 8k, is there a car out there for 8K that you would like more than your Mini? if the answer is no then maybe you should fix your car. If it dropped the valve then they probably cant rebuild that engine. I had a engine drop a valve it ruined the head and block.

In my case I have a R58 JCW also. My 2002 S I have had sense 04. My younger son and I have done so much together with that car. I can tell you for sure if it was my only mini I would drop 10K into it. That is what I was thinking about doing before I got the R58. I was looking at a RMW stroker. I believe its 8k with a core. Hay that may be an option for you! I like spending other peoples money.
Good luck its a hard decision

 

Wow the truth

 

That's awesome, thanks! Also I dig the username...I have the missing digit sticker on the rear window...

 

 

I can get you an R53 hood. Also a clutch and front axles with <500 miles on them. Coupla doors etc.

Does this site have a Used/Parts Min for sale section?