Learning on an A series engine

[Crow555]

Following on from this pistonheads thread in GG, I'm looking to learn more about engines and rebuilding them. I've been recommended to look for an A Series engine together with a book from David Vizard.

Does anyone have a spare engine they don't need anywhere near Lisburn, Northern Ireland? Or any advice perhaps to getting hold of one?

Thanks.

[Cooperman]

I'm too far away to help, unfortunately.
Try a local scrapper and look for an old Metro with a 998 or even a 1275 engine.
They are, indeed, a good basic engine to learn on, but you'll need a few special tools like a Mini/Metro flywheel puller, a good socket set and good quality hand tools. Also you'll need a set of feeler gauges, a steel straight edge/rule and, for measuring combustion chamber volumes, a small 5cc shrynge from 'Boots'. A torque wrench will be essential at final assembly time, but there is no rush for that and you amy find you can borrow one.
Start as you mean to go on and learn at each step in the strip and re-build process and do it properly.
Ask for advice on here and we'll all be pleased to take you through each step in the engine re-build process (we're quite a nice lot, really!).
Good luck with the project - you will learn a lot.

[jammy_basturd]

Try a post on... Mini Resource forum, I believe they have quite a large Irish following.

[Crow555]

Hmm, I hadn't thought about the tools aspect of it. I'd figured a socket set and a torque wrench would see me right. I'll maybe price those up before getting the engine then.

(You can probably guess I'm not the mechanice sort, I just about know the theory behind internal combustion)

I'm moving house soon so it might be an idea to wait until I'm in the next house.

Thanks again.

[GTOBEN]

I have 3 sitting in my garage in England. If a courior wasnt too expensive you can have one (may be cheaper than a breakers?)

[vdubbin]

There's a chap in Pettigoe over on the Fermanagh/Dongegal border, (called Mervyn Johnson I think? ) who is pretty well known in historic Mini rally circles, might be worth getting in touch with him to see if he has anything lying about? It's a bit of a trip from Lisburn, but still cheaper that trying to get a block delivered...

[Crow555]

vdubbin said:

There's a chap in Pettigoe over on the Fermanagh/Dongegal border, (called Mervyn Johnson I think? ) who is pretty well known in historic Mini rally circles, might be worth getting in touch with him to see if he has anything lying about? It's a bit of a trip from Lisburn, but still cheaper that trying to get a block delivered...

Cheers, I might do that. Any idea how I'd get in touch with him? Is he on these forums?

I spoke to my dad about this at the weekend. Dads being dads, he said I didn't need the book and gave me a manual on Hepolite pistons which was published in 1968 and said "that's all you need to know". He also has a complete engine from an Austin A35 with seized pistons but I think he's wanting to work on it himself and I don't want to destroy the engine on him.

I'd have no problem heading towards Fermanagh, I'd make a day of it at least. I just hope the block will fit in the Polo's boot.

[guru_1071]

mervyn johnson

02868 631242.

spot on bloke, really nice guy who can really, really drive a mini.

shows up a lot of younger drivers with far more expensive cars on a regular basis!

[Crow555]

Thanks for that. When (and if) I move house, I'll be sure to give him a ring.

Then no doubt I'll be pestering you about tips on engine rebuilds.