Faron!!

[Will]

Whens the next Tech session and what is it gonna be on? The first one was a great success, everyone enjoyed it. I know there was talk about maybe doing a IPOD Adaptor installation. That would take some prep work on the part of the tech guys but it seemed they said it could be done.

[scandune]

they said its going to be the adapter

[k-huevo]

Not “everyone” was able to enjoy it. To the attendees of these tech sessions, please share some documentation. Even if there are no photos; how about some notes? I was glad to hear Paul and Jesse were generous with information at the last session, but I was disappointed the information wasn’t relayed on the club forum. Not all club members have traditional work schedules or flexible personal obligations, so help the rest of us enjoy a little vicarious participation.

[weezer2282]

Not “everyone” was able to enjoy it. To the attendees of these tech sessions, please share some documentation. Even if there are no photos; how about some notes? I was glad to hear Paul and Jesse were generous with information at the last session, but I was disappointed the information wasn’t relayed on the club forum. Not all club members have traditional work schedules or flexible personal obligations, so help the rest of us enjoy a little vicarious participation.

There wasn't really any documentation, notes, or photos. They showed the steps on how to do an oil change and answered whatever other questions we could think up.

They also had a customer car in the shop that had the motor completely torn apart. The motor was torn apart because the customer had used an aftermarket oil filter that was not the proper size. It was a few mm too short and as a result caused oil pressure problems and I'd assume oil filtration problems as well. The camshaft had signs of wear as well as the main bearings. They had to take the block apart and explained to us that the block cannot be put back together after it has been disassembled. Once it is taken apart it can't be re-assembled because it will leak. The block is two pieces. This was the most interesting part of the session to me. :thumbsup

[k-huevo]

Thank you Greg, I didn’t expect the MINI Center to have hand outs, I was talking about feedback from attendees; for example, the questions and answers given.

BTW, the cylinder block and support ladder can be reassembled without leaks. I’m not doubting what you were told, just relating what I know; Larry did it http://www.theoldone.com/Facility/Facility.htm , those are other motor makes in the photos but I’ve seen a reassembled MINI block and received feedback from the user.

[scandune]

thats the head not the block there is a lower block and an upper block which the head sits on. in between the 2 is the cam. and since there isnt a gasket in between the two its metal on metal.

[weezer2282]

Thank you Greg, I didn’t expect the MINI Center to have hand outs, I was talking about feedback from attendees; for example, the questions and answers given.

BTW, the cylinder block and support ladder can be reassembled without leaks. I’m not doubting what you were told, just relating what I know; Larry did it http://www.theoldone.com/Facility/Facility.htm , those are other motor makes in the photos but I’ve seen a reassembled MINI block and received feedback from the user.

I don't doubt that it is possible to put it back together with the proper machining. The official MINI policy was they replace it and don't reassemble once they take it apart.

EnDyn does very good work. There is a manufacturing facility around the corner from my work that used to be a job shop, but a few months ago they put up a sign with "EnDyn" out front. I do not know whether they are related. That 5-axis mill in the link is very nice. I am programming three 4-axis mills now. It is amazing what you can do with them. :thumbsup

[k-huevo]

scandune, there were more than only heads in those photos. I’m well aware of how the MINI block is constructed I’ve disassembled one, and to clarify; the support ladder (lower case) cradles the crankshaft and attaches to the cylinder block, the cam sits atop the head.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/CooperMotor.jpg

Greg, I'm sure that EnDyn has nothing to do with ENDYN, but it would be great if it didn't take a drive to Fort Worth to get that kind of precision workmanship. Yes, I know it's advantageous for the tech to replace rather than rebuild some of the MINI's components and in most cases that's good for the customer. I wish I would have known there might have been broken parts to scavenge :) . I forgot to mention when you were drooling over the e-bay car that Jan put a mild head and adjustable camshaft sprocket on a MCSa last week and produced torque that almost matched hp, plus kicked hp up a notch without software or modified camshaft.

Please, let’s return to topic; more tech sessions :thumbsup and share the knowledge :dancing .

[scandune]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v451/scandune/CooperMotor.jpg

on the one we saw the lower case was split in 2 and the cam shaft was inside of that. they were telling us that after you break the metal on metal seal it will leak because they can not get it as tight as the factory could. so it has a potential to leak

[k-huevo]

That’s the crankshaft you are referring to; the cam is on the head. The tech’s statement requires qualifiers because it can and has been done without resulting in leaks.

[scuderia]

Faron is on vacation, i think he is in Alabama or Missisipi

[Jakedog]

That’s the crankshaft you are referring to; the cam is on the head. The tech’s statement requires qualifiers because it can and has been done without resulting in leaks.

I want to say the tech's suggested to "Lobby" for a new block because there is no gasket which results in a much higher "potential" for leaks. I took it as a little friendly insider advice.

Some of the other items I remember going over:

Check that the rubber blocks at the jack lifting points are still there. They have been known to fall out. You don't want to damage anything when jacking up the car.
When changing the cabin air filter, a quick spray of refrigerator disinfectant/freshener can help the initial odor emitted by the filter.
I thought it was interesting that the mechanics cut down their own socket used to remove the oil filter. I realize a shallow socket is commercially available; but I'm surprised MINI doesn't issue their own version.
BTW Keith - You and I haven't met, but I found out one of my neighbors is an old friend of yours. Sloan says "Hi".

[k-huevo]

I was at the MINI Center today and saw a MCS completely gutted with all the wiring removed; what a nightmare for Paul.

I like this site for explaining the inner workings of the automobile. The diagram on this page represents the function of our inline four with overhead valve train and shows the names of each of the components.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm

Sloan and I share many memories; some are very crazy hitch hiking experiences in the 70s. Jakedog, you should ask him about the time he met Andy Warhol.

[justintime]

That’s the crankshaft you are referring to; the cam is on the head. The tech’s statement requires qualifiers because it can and has been done without resulting in leaks.

+1 :thumbsup