Well after a very long month since I went to see my new Coupe I finally picked it up on Saturday and drove it the 120 miles home. The good news is that it didn't miss a beat all the way home. The slightly less 'good' news is that I think there may be a slight engine issue as when I go back there was a pronounced rattle from the engine when at idle and it was blowing blue smoke

My first thoughts were a tappet might had come loose but they checked out fine, any ideas?

The engine has semi synthetic 10W40 in it which I thought was probably a bit on the the thin side for an A series, with the engine being hot then this might have caused the pressure to drop off (causing the rattle from something ) and some blow by hence the blue smoke. I've just bought some 20W50 from Halfords along with a new filter so was going to see if this solves the problem. What should the oil pressure be, it was reading around 45psi on the run back which I thought was OK but if the oil is too thin then this might be low.................

I'd never use semi synthetic in an A series. It will find any of the normal A series leaking points and make them worse, and I think would be too thin when warm.

Good starting point changing the oil. If the oil pressure is a bit low, you can always get a variable pressure relief from somewhere like mini spares. But I would suspect that the reading will go up changing from semi synthetic.

Oh, and welcome to Coupe ownership. Piccies?

Thanks Tim

It's fine when the revs pick up which is why I was suspecting the oil my be on the thin side. I'll take some pics tomorrow.........

Regards

David

Yes semi synthetic 10/40 is way too thin, you need to remember that the mini has the gearbox attached which needs the thicker oil to work efficiently. 20/50 is the oil required, now this is not to say to put any old Toffee in, there is some very good 20/50 oils around so use these. As for the oil pressure you should see about 50-60 psi under throttle and anywhere from 30-50 psi at idle. Generally speaking you should get 10 psi for every 1000 pm. Be careful not to exceed 75psi as this will dislodge the primary oil seal.

The blue smoke is a definetly oil, but the rattle is more concerning, did it happen all of a sudden? was there a sudden loss/reduction in oil pressure?, it could be a number of things internally, you didn't break a rocker?

Oh and welcome to the GTM Coupe club, can't wait to have mine finally running.

You will always get a lot of oil recommendations as everyone has their favourite.

Millers make two engine oils specifically for the classic Mini.

They are both 20w/50 multigrades and both have EP additives to help lubricate the integral gearbox.

The mineral oil is called Classic Mini Oil 20w/50

The semi-synth is called CTV 20w/50

Thought as much - the car ran fine for the 110 mile trip home, it was as I put it away in the garage there was a rattle that sounded like a badly adjusted tappet at idle. Not constant just a little bit of a clatter every so often, I'm guessing that the oil pressure had dropped off as the oil had been cooked and churned by the gearbox so was just too thin. I've got some Halfords 20/50 to try - if this gets rid of any suspicious noises then I'll get some of "Classic Mini" oil.

If it doesn't then I guess I'll be rebuilding an engine!

Finally got around to taking some pictures

Looks good. Are you going to be taking it to Stoneleigh?

I like the look with the alley cats.

Looking good Mr Mac. Loving those wheels, they really suit it.

How are you getting on with the engine? Did a change of oil help?

Should be at Stoneleigh if all is well, not sure which day but probably the Sunday. The oil change appears to have helped but I need to take it for a run to find out if there has been any damage. The wheels are mint - as is most of the car. There are a few bits of crazing on the bodywork but nothing major.

Nice

I like the wing mirrors, anyone know what they are or where they can be purchased

I bought a pair very like those from Europa's website.

David

They look like these:

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ ... -1720CN-HM

Have been busy!

New seats (well second hand) - Corbeau Forza Sport
4 Point Harnesses
New braided brake hoses
New Spax Shocks all round
New Pad
New Master Cylinder
Camber/Caster Adjustable lower arms all round

This weekend:

Battery Kill
Lifeline System
Rollertip 1.5 Rockers
Brantz Trip
Interior Lighting
And some period stopwatches................

Trying to keep everything period