Classic Mini Restoration Episode 48 - Running / Breaking in a Mini Engine in Just 100 Miles

Classic Mini Restoration Episode 48 - Running / Breaking in a Mini Engine in Just 100 Miles
/ smugwood
It's time to run the engine in. It seems after doing a bit of research, there's several different theories behind running in or breaking in an engine, especially the A Series engine. So I went straight to the engine builder and followed his instruction.
Im sure this is one of those controversial topics and there seems to be more than one solution...and time will tell if the path I chose was the correct one.
This video is probably my longest to date, and is really just a lot of driving around in the car...but to me, these are the ones I enjoy watching the most :-)
Thanks for watching and a special thank you to my Patrons David Shrive, Charles France, Mad Hamish, Ryan Davies, and all of my other Patrons.
Lee A Baker
Smugwood & Smugwood mini
www.patreon.com/smugwood
smugwoodmini
And of course...Instagram at Smugwoodmini
Smugwood Mini Specifications:
Bodywork repaired by Dennis at Classic And Retro Restorations
Car Painted by Cooper Car And Commercial Vehicle Sprayers
Interior from Newton Commercial
Engine built by Paul Jeffries
Car rebuilt by Dennis Parkin (Classic And Retro Restorations) and myself
Body Colour - Old English White 81 Mini Paint Code WT3
Roof Colour - Toyota Black
Engine Spec is as follows:
Builder - Paul Jeffries
1275cc Metro A+ Series (sleeved from factory)
Rebored +20 Thou to 1293cc
Nural High Compression Pistons
AC Dodd RS Camshaft
IWIS Cam Chain and New Cam Tensioner
MAR Motorsport Competition Cam Followers
MED Alloy Rear Cam Plate
AC Dodd Modified Oil Pump
MJA Motorsport Modified Head (10.5:1 Compression Ratio)
MAR Motorsport 36mm Inlet Valves and 30mm Exhaust Valves
Ported And Gasflowed with Bronze Valve Guides and Minispares Fast Road Spec Double Valve Springs
MED 1:3 Ratio Roller Rocker Assembly
MED Stage 2 Flywheel and Clutch Assembly
GEARBOX
Rebuilt A+ Helical Gearbox with Central Oil Pickup and Minispares 4 Pin Differential
3:44 Final Drive
ELECTRICS
Modified H and H Ignitions Distributor and Matching Coil (Recurved To Suit Camshaft Profile)
FUEL
Single HIF 44 SU Carb
Original Spec Mechanical Fuel Pump
EXHAUST
Maniflow System
COOLING SYSTEM
Standard Radiator
Registration - JAF84W
Main parts from Minisport and Minispares
Loom from Bull Motif
Fittings mostly from Smiffys Bits
A couple of parts fitted from Retrosport and Huddersfield Minis
#minisport #minispares #classicmini

[@davelowe7565]

Great to see the car out and about on the lovely streets of Brig. Get yourself on the Penwortham bypass. Might be a better option.

[@SmugwoodMini]

When I planned the route…I had this idea in my head that it’d take ages to drive up the brig bypass in a mini. I was surprised how quick it got up to speed 😂 But the miles are done now…I just need to find someone to set it up properly now. 🤞

[@angelsone-five7912]

Back in the day folk would put a sticker on the back of their car that read "Running in - Please Pass".

[@SmugwoodMini]

I think I remember my dads car having something like that in the window many years back. Not sure what car it was though...but I also seem to remember him having to indicate with his hands too :-) Must have been quite an old car

[@djsmithe]

Hello from Canada. Damn, lots of roundabouts. I got dizzy just watching the video. lol

[@SmugwoodMini]

I’m beginning to think I should have tried the motorway instead 😂 My worry though was if something went wrong. If I went on the motorway it’d be a nice long road but I could have ended up far from home and in trouble if the car broke down. The road I ended up choosing was short but close to home. Swings and roundabouts as they say…or in this case…just roundabouts 😂

[@pauljeffries]

Nice update Lee, sounds like the valve clearances need a tweak now that everything is bedding in, apart from that the engine sounds strong and looks like it accelerates well, especially in the lower gears.

[@SmugwoodMini]

Everytime I drive the car it does feel as if everything is starting to free up a bit more each time. Clutch needs some adjustment though. I think the arm is worn. But it might be my adjustment (or lack of) skill. Is the Valve Clearance adjustment is enough to do?

[@mcmotors100]

Nice! Is the mini helping you with your condition? A couple of questions, what the knock knock knock sound under braking/de acceleration? Heard at about 14:45 ish. Dennis (and you) have done such a good job do you mind saying what the welding cost and the painting? Thanks and enjoy your car. 👍

[@SmugwoodMini]

The knock sound is something I’m trying to suss out. I did start to look last week but my Jack is too big to fit under the car so I’m waiting on a new Jack once funds allow and I’ll try and find where the noise is coming from. Hopefully nothing too serious. Paint cost was about £3800. Underneath was done separate though. Welding is hard to give a figure as other factor were involved. But I’d say if I had to guess it was probably half the cost of a new shell. Looking back, the car was a perfect candidate for a new shell…but although a lot of panels were replaced…it still has all the panels that were stamped at factory and that was quite important to me.

[@angelsone-five7912]

I wondered that too, puzzling.

[@classic1989mini]

The car looks great. I think the dash sets it off good style. How is the engine now you have run it in? I'm just not too far from you in Bolton, If you fancy a quick meet up some time. I have a White/blue Sky 1989, trying to get it looking and sounding like it should.

[@SmugwoodMini]

The engine runs really well...but it may need to come out to fix an oil leak :-( It'll need a closer inspection before I decide. It's impossible to say at this stage whats causing it...but there was an oil leak somewhere else which ended up being a rubbish gasket. This leak is coming from the timing cover area so its hard to see. So for now, the car is off the road :-(

[@Polecat54941]

@@SmugwoodMini Oil leaks are part of the original design to ensure you keep putting new oil in!