And back to our regularly scheduled program, the Mini:
Since it's a busy time of year for the kids and we aren't utilizing the Wanderlodge, I decided it was a perfect time to work on the Mini again. First thing was to get the rebuilt HIF 44 tuned up and running. I got it started, threw the kids in the back for a quick test drive, and the brake pedal immediately went to the floor. And then the Mini drove like hot garbage.
I got the mini up on jackstands and found the right ear wheel cylinder leaking like a sieve. Some quick research online revealed that there are at least 3 different wheel cylinder sizes in the rear and the right size depends on a myriad of factors; front disk or drums, power assist or no, rear proportioning valve, master cylinder type, personal preference, current moon cycle, etc. Another option is to remove the brake cylinder, tear it apart and measure the bore. I hit the easy button and called 7 enterprises who let me know that the vast majority of cars use .750 bore rear brake cylinders.
it's too bad that can't put easily identifiable marks on these so you know what size you have. What does that symbol even mean? CJ? No. I feel like a need a Rosetta Stone to unlock the mysteries of ancient British automotive engineering.
Parts were ordered and on their way. Moving back to the carburetor boondoggle. I bought this HIF44 off eBay and rebuilt it with a geniune SU kit. It has never run any good. No matter how many times I take it off, find some issue, fix and reinstall it refuses to run nicely. Problems include stuck jet, float stuck open, dashpot oil leaked out, dashpot to carb surface nicked up...I lost count.
area 1 has lots of divots in the surface. No gaskets allowed here but I'm told it's not a concern. Area 3 is the dashpot screw hole...which leads directly into carburetor throat. This is what every SU carb has apparently but how it doesn't leak air like crazy is beyond me. Maybe I will put a plug in here or maybe I won't tempt fate. I don't know.
Finally I ran the car with full enrichment (not a "choke") and preceded to douse the whole wretched contraption with carb cleaner. The right side throttle spindle seal responded very well to this (rpms went up)...so I guess it's time for another tear down.
I thought I had the throttle shaft seals backwards since they are mounted one way for turbo cars and 180 degrees (!!!) for non turbo cars. But it turns out I got that right. However, the throttle shaft bushings are wore out and scratched up. Additionally the Teflon coating on the bushing tore off and inserted itself between the throttle shaft and seal providing a wondrous route for all sorts of fresh air to fill the engine. Fun.
Bushing kits are available and don't look to difficult to install, but at this point I'd rather have a pro look it over and do the job. Joe Curto of British superior was highly recommended, and he was very helpful over the phone. Hopefully new bushings and a throttle shaft are all that's needed, but at this point I just want him to work his magic so I can drive this thing again. I have hope that in 2 -3 weeks the mini will be driving better than ever!