intervals at which stuff goes wrong?

[minis84]

Hey

Been as though I'm keeping the GT, I think I should start preparing for when things go wrong

Anyway, its done 68k nearly, what should I be thinking of? The clutch is beginning to judder slightly, and the biting point has moved higher up the pedal. I'm going to change the clutch cable first as I think thats contributing to the judder. How long to change a clutch do you think? Bearing in mind I've never undone any mountings underneath, do you think its possible in a weekend? (I know the box has to come off).

When does the headgasket usually go? My old 1043CL has now done over 105k without a headgasket, but I'm thinking the GT might be prone to it a bit earlier? Again, how long roughly to do it? I have good mechanical knowledge and skills, its just the fact I've never done one before, and there's lots of scary electrical bits that worry me slightly when removing inlet manifolds (oh yeah, and removing the cambelt scares me a bit too lol, I'm a wuss I expect!).

The gearbox is beginning to emit a whine in 4th and 5th when power is applied, but only at low speeds (40mph and under). I think this could be the diff, as changing the oil hasn't improved the noise. I think it could be new 'box time (ideal opportunity to do clutch and box at the same time maybe?) - what do you think?

Anyway, sorry to ramble on, but any answers would be cool.

Thanks

[hardhitter]

Hey

Been as though I'm keeping the GT, I think I should start preparing for when things go wrong

Anyway, its done 68k nearly, what should I be thinking of? The clutch is beginning to judder slightly, and the biting point has moved higher up the pedal. I'm going to change the clutch cable first as I think thats contributing to the judder. How long to change a clutch do you think? Bearing in mind I've never undone any mountings underneath, do you think its possible in a weekend? (I know the box has to come off).


When does the headgasket usually go? My old 1043CL has now done over 105k without a headgasket, but I'm thinking the GT might be prone to it a bit earlier? Again, how long roughly to do it? I have good mechanical knowledge and skills, its just the fact I've never done one before, and there's lots of scary electrical bits that worry me slightly when removing inlet manifolds (oh yeah, and removing the cambelt scares me a bit too lol, I'm a wuss I expect!).

The gearbox is beginning to emit a whine in 4th and 5th when power is applied, but only at low speeds (40mph and under). I think this could be the diff, as changing the oil hasn't improved the noise. I think it could be new 'box time (ideal opportunity to do clutch and box at the same time maybe?) - what do you think?

Anyway, sorry to ramble on, but any answers would be cool.

Thanks

Yes, do the clucth cable first. I'm guessing it still has the original self adjusting cable which is prone to giving problems. Also check all your rubber mounts for the engine and box, they are only about £7 each from VAG.

No point in replacing the head gasket until it actually starts showing signs of going, there is no given time when they let go.

Did you use the correct oil ? If it's something in the box, you can get them rebuilt for a resonable price at JP race shop. Second hand boxes are a gamble anyway.

[bell]

just changed the head gasket on me mk3 1.3cl and to be fair it was a doddle so dont be afraid to have a go. good old mr haynes helped me do it. id recommend gettin your hands on one as it will give you th correct torque settings etc that you will need

changin the clutch isnt a hard job either but its gettin the car high enough to move the box out of the way that is the problem but it is acheivable off axle stands.

your gearbox could be the syncro whining proberbly better as pointed out to have it reconned rather than a second hand unit as at leats you have some leeway if anythin were to go wrong

[minis84]

Yeah have got the Haynes for the car. I've rebuilt a couple of Mini engines from a bare block upwards, and rebuilt my Mini from a bare shell, do I don't know why I'm worried really.

Its just its a slightly more modern car....the closest thing the Mini has to electronics is my phone in the glovebox! I'm sure it'll all be ok, thanks for the advice everyone!