Easy way to turn the engine over. Jack up the front on 1 side only, just so 1 wheel is off the ground. Drop the gearbox into 4th. Gently turn the wheel that's lifted off the ground and the engine will turn. We actually used to do that in the Saab dealership.
Always good to see a youngster taking the time and effort to work on their's and others cars. Beats other who just put gel stickers on their motors and annoy other road users with loud add ons.
Hi, I've just used your video to do my first ever head gasket. Lucky enough mine is automatic so undoing the timing chain sprocket was straight forward. Also I didn't take out the chain tension bolt and instead pushed the pin in from inside the engine, as in reseated it. Either way your video helped me big time so keep up the good work.
Even if there's no visible cracks it doesn't mean there isn't. If you cannot see any cracks best to get it pressure tested and then skimmed if its within tolerance.
The valves on cyl 1 and 2 are a different colour to 3 and 4,has it had head work before or does that have something to do with why you can't reuse the head such as a crack?
I have seen cases of those plastic chain guides breaking, i think they get brittle over time. Might be an idea to change them while its all apart. I would also check you did not get coolant in the oil when you pulled the head - that's if you did not drain the coolant to below head gasket level before you done the job. All to easy for any water contained in the head to find its way down the oil passages once the seal is broken. Got to admit though, getting the head off on the Cooper is certainly an easy job compared to some other cars i have worked on, wow, you didn't even have any problems removing the exhaust manifold bolts! All going way too easy so far, hate to think what you have found lurking on the head that is going to throw you!
To spin the engine could you not just put it in 5th gear and chock one front wheel while turning the other? (5th gear because it offers the easiest ratio when turning a driven wheel by hand to turn the engine over)
Thanks so much for uploading this! This is my second car and after having some consistently random misfires at high RPMs and diagnosis by a dealership, it seems I'm due to try my first valve inspection and cleaning. This is giving me a lot of confidence, especially since my mini is exactly the same British Racing Green! :D
I would say if the car has gotten hot due to lack of coolant, then there is a good chance the head is warped. If that's the case you could try a homebrew skim job. Some sand paper on a glass table would be the way to go.
I really enjoyed this episode mate.you made it look bloody easy.... Why did the gasket blow in the first place though? I may have missed that in a previous episode. I had a Toyota that blew a head gasket through a slightly blocked rad.
Good on you mate seriously, very ambitious job and it’s great to see you take a crack at it. Great to see a well known TH-camr doing stuff like this, not just changing bulbs and cosmetic bullshit. Much respect dude, keep up these videos!
Hi where did you get your head gasket set from for your mini 1st generation I have looked all over eBay and can't seem to find one if you could help that would be great thank you
i know its been a few years since you did this so im hoping you still see my comment. when you set the timing shouldn't cylinder 1 be at top dead centre or is it different for a mini. i noticed all your pistons were quite level which is why im asking if your timing was correct
I did watched all your videos in regards to mini head gasket replacement and I heard at one point you mentioned a guy that also has a more detailed video about head gasket replacement. Will you be kind to share this guy video with me so I can watch it in detail to start up doing the work on my mini? Thank you and I will keep you posted with the progress of my work
The original Mini's head gasket was possibly the easiest car one to do, everything easily got at and no chains to worry about, whap off the head nuts, quick scrape and clean, new gasket in (ppl used to make their own from copper sheeting) and all back together. Ford's Kent and Pinto engines were almost as easy to do except the Pinto had a cambelt but all doable in half a day, Essex engines were an absolute doddle to change HG's but not as easy as the original Mini :)
James, always rebuild the head when you do a headgasket, to not rebuild is madness. I know in the vid you said you may need a replacement, but make sure which ever head is used gets rebuilt mate. You've taken the time to pull it, take the little extra time to remove the valves, re-lap them, and replace the stem seals, which are always supplied with the gasket set. Don't just slap the head back on, it's lazy not to sort it properly, and once you've removed and compared the stem seals (old V new), you'll see for yourself how slack the old 1's are, even in an engine that wasn't smoking. Do it right, and you only have to do it once pal. Great content, as usual, but seriously. Slapping a head down without a rebuild is bordering on a bodge pal. Just constructive critisism, from an old timer. Keep up the good work, you're definately improving your skills. Top stuff! 👍
Top stuff other than it nearly being a bodge 😁 I like your disguised comment. Trouble is with James its hard to critique his work as he's such a likeable guy.
@@robthesamplist Yeah, James is a dying breed these days, most youngers dont want to get their hands dirty. So whilst I want to encourage him, as I'm sure we all do, constructive critisism is key to learning. When I was a lad, the teaching contained a heavy dose of expert level swearing thrown in and a good deal of being laughed at... so he's got it easy on that one! 😂
after finishing the job i'd just use some cheap oil and do a couple of oil flushes after a couple of hundred miles between each oil change and also flush the coolant.
@@TheSavageGarage no worries, been watching your content for a while now and your still keeping it real. Working on cars that are affordable and doing in-depth jobs! We all appreciate it mate
i guess im randomly asking but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot the account password. I love any tips you can give me
Hey bud, really hope you see this. I didn’t see the link for the guy with the step by step instructions. Would greatly appreciate the link bud!! Many thanks in advance
Do you HAVE to remove the rocker arms assembly for this ? I'm half way through the tear down and you can see all the head bolts so not sure if its necessary.
Uuuuuuu.... silly James every Savage Garage episode is an exciting one. This was even more exciting. You really pulled a fast one on us with the cliffhanger. Nice one man. Can't wait to see what's wrong with the head. 👍
have you considered going for a waterless coolant upon rebuild ? might make a good video if nothing else,plus itd be good to see what improvements to the cooling system itd make.
22:00 i guess you put your hat back int eh cardboard, my light got accidentally washed with the hat so now when i try to charge it on the mains, it just turns on. i do think what it really nees is the metal cage for support
If you live in Somerset I would use you on all of my cars mate you really know what you are doing y have you not gone to work in a garage we can see you love working on car all the time well done with all the good videos mate
when the head is off always get it pressure tested and skimmed if needed its a cheap 30/40 quid to make sure its right.. iv a funny feeling the 4 dirty looking valves and the other 4 may be the cliff hanger lol, has something been getting steam cleaned ;) you should get a mr and mrs savage repair done would be cool to see you both fixing a car
@@TheSavageGarage I know you had the Lidl impact driver but do you have their impact wrench? It's meant to alright. If you get a brushless motor (impact or wrench) they are all pretty good.
You managed well without. If you were doing it for a living might more sense. Personally I prefer the peace and quiet and feel of ordinary spanners and sockets.
We nearly met mrs savage..! Id get head pressure tested as they can crack under the valves sometimes. Also you must have it skimmed every time a head is removed.
@@jameswallace7709 Yes definitely have it skimmed everytime the head is removed if it's a aluminium head. Head skimming is usually £30-40 so it's worth having it done as it's so cheap.
lots of corrosion of the water ways from not using antifreeze. id guess thats why you may not want to reuse it, its crept quite close to the combustion chamber. btw you should really skim heads that are messy and corroded or have overheated.
I do It all so myself. Its worth Lot off mini's have this problem? Why? To much plastic things what cracks round the coolwater for the engine(plastic thermoshouse, etc) Thanks BMW Music is your choice👍thanks for your support for this video Holland
Ive been working on my own cars for years , never had the confidence to repair a head gasket or change timing belts , ive weighed in so many cars for headgasket failure shame really wishi had your confidence lol
Easy way to turn the engine over. Jack up the front on 1 side only, just so 1 wheel is off the ground. Drop the gearbox into 4th. Gently turn the wheel that's lifted off the ground and the engine will turn. We actually used to do that in the Saab dealership.
Taking the plugs out will help too!!
Useful tip!
Never tried that
We actually tried kickstarting a car with a malfunctioning starter that way. Not sure if that was a very safe idea xD
Always good to see a youngster taking the time and effort to work on their's and others cars. Beats other who just put gel stickers on their motors and annoy other road users with loud add ons.
I was looking into buying a 2004 Mini that needs a head gasket replacement…I might just do it now! Great video, Brilliant job!
Hi, I've just used your video to do my first ever head gasket. Lucky enough mine is automatic so undoing the timing chain sprocket was straight forward. Also I didn't take out the chain tension bolt and instead pushed the pin in from inside the engine, as in reseated it. Either way your video helped me big time so keep up the good work.
Hi James. I enjoyed watching Eric the Car Guy Mini series. Lots of mini engine rebuilds there.
The one handed mechanic. 😂😂😂. Great videos.
Even if there's no visible cracks it doesn't mean there isn't. If you cannot see any cracks best to get it pressure tested and then skimmed if its within tolerance.
Not just doing the head gasket but filming as well great job!
The valves on cyl 1 and 2 are a different colour to 3 and 4,has it had head work before or does that have something to do with why you can't reuse the head such as a crack?
I have seen cases of those plastic chain guides breaking, i think they get brittle over time. Might be an idea to change them while its all apart. I would also check you did not get coolant in the oil when you pulled the head - that's if you did not drain the coolant to below head gasket level before you done the job. All to easy for any water contained in the head to find its way down the oil passages once the seal is broken. Got to admit though, getting the head off on the Cooper is certainly an easy job compared to some other cars i have worked on, wow, you didn't even have any problems removing the exhaust manifold bolts! All going way too easy so far, hate to think what you have found lurking on the head that is going to throw you!
SWEET! very detailed video! Really helps! I dont have a Mini Cooper but I am changing a head gasket on a different make/model car!
To spin the engine could you not just put it in 5th gear and chock one front wheel while turning the other?
(5th gear because it offers the easiest ratio when turning a driven wheel by hand to turn the engine over)
Great video.. nice to see you've got an assistant..
Hell of a job just to get to the head gasket, good work glad u know where all bits go I'd be like scrap it lol
Does it make a difference if the car is an automatic instead of a manual?
Thanks so much for uploading this! This is my second car and after having some consistently random misfires at high RPMs and diagnosis by a dealership, it seems I'm due to try my first valve inspection and cleaning. This is giving me a lot of confidence, especially since my mini is exactly the same British Racing Green! :D
Hello Brooo ....How much is the factory compression for the Mini 1.6 2002 90 hp. What is the lower limit of a good engine
I would say if the car has gotten hot due to lack of coolant, then there is a good chance the head is warped.
If that's the case you could try a homebrew skim job. Some sand paper on a glass table would be the way to go.
I think you’re right that sounds plausible
@@evojigger amatuer way have done properly
Mate, just had my timing chain done but the engine light still on. Any ideas what's occurring? They've almost had my car for a month!!
I really enjoyed this episode mate.you made it look bloody easy.... Why did the gasket blow in the first place though? I may have missed that in a previous episode. I had a Toyota that blew a head gasket through a slightly blocked rad.
Thanks for this, great shots and editing!
Nice little cliff hanger at the end of the video. Another great video. Well done James.
Good on you mate seriously, very ambitious job and it’s great to see you take a crack at it. Great to see a well known TH-camr doing stuff like this, not just changing bulbs and cosmetic bullshit. Much respect dude, keep up these videos!
Hi where did you get your head gasket set from for your mini 1st generation I have looked all over eBay and can't seem to find one if you could help that would be great thank you
Would it be easier or harder with a timing belt vs a timing chain?
I'm a bike person myself but i loved this video! nice job mate!
Arron Adams cheers mate I’m glad!
Enjoyed the video, what did you fin? Can`t wait for the next episode! It`s not too bad of job it seems providing you have the right tools. Well done.
Those engine's are not mechanic friendly, no space!! Good job hope it all goes smoothly 👍
Have you heard of a Renault scenic 2005
Another lovley balanced video of car dismantle and relaxed entertainment and content.. Brilliant
This man doing everything right way well done mate
i know its been a few years since you did this so im hoping you still see my comment. when you set the timing shouldn't cylinder 1 be at top dead centre or is it different for a mini. i noticed all your pistons were quite level which is why im asking if your timing was correct
I did watched all your videos in regards to mini head gasket replacement and I heard at one point you mentioned a guy that also has a more detailed video about head gasket replacement. Will you be kind to share this guy video with me so I can watch it in detail to start up doing the work on my mini?
Thank you and I will keep you posted with the progress of my work
The original Mini's head gasket was possibly the easiest car one to do, everything easily got at and no chains to worry about, whap off the head nuts, quick scrape and clean, new gasket in (ppl used to make their own from copper sheeting) and all back together. Ford's Kent and Pinto engines were almost as easy to do except the Pinto had a cambelt but all doable in half a day, Essex engines were an absolute doddle to change HG's but not as easy as the original Mini :)
New favourite car channel. Keep up the great material.
I want to know if the crankshaft of mini Cooper not Charger 1.6 is the same as Charger 1.6
I am going to be removing head on my r56 mini cooper soon. other than headgasket, head bolts, valve cover, and timing chain tools what else do I need?
Great job james. Im loving the mini videos
Is this the same procedure for an N14 Turbo engine in my R56?
Great job. What year is this Cooper?
James, always rebuild the head when you do a headgasket, to not rebuild is madness. I know in the vid you said you may need a replacement, but make sure which ever head is used gets rebuilt mate. You've taken the time to pull it, take the little extra time to remove the valves, re-lap them, and replace the stem seals, which are always supplied with the gasket set. Don't just slap the head back on, it's lazy not to sort it properly, and once you've removed and compared the stem seals (old V new), you'll see for yourself how slack the old 1's are, even in an engine that wasn't smoking. Do it right, and you only have to do it once pal. Great content, as usual, but seriously. Slapping a head down without a rebuild is bordering on a bodge pal. Just constructive critisism, from an old timer. Keep up the good work, you're definately improving your skills. Top stuff! 👍
Top stuff other than it nearly being a bodge 😁 I like your disguised comment. Trouble is with James its hard to critique his work as he's such a likeable guy.
@@robthesamplist Yeah, James is a dying breed these days, most youngers dont want to get their hands dirty. So whilst I want to encourage him, as I'm sure we all do, constructive critisism is key to learning. When I was a lad, the teaching contained a heavy dose of expert level swearing thrown in and a good deal of being laughed at... so he's got it easy on that one! 😂
Just shows how good the original mini design was head gasket change during lunchbreak
after finishing the job i'd just use some cheap oil and do a couple of oil flushes after a couple of hundred miles between each oil change and also flush the coolant.
dave wagstaff that’s the plan
Hi mate if you can't see any damage to the gasket or head send it to the engineer and have it skimmed and crack tested
agree with you on that one, if you can assess it and it looks flat no need to get it skimmed
Good on you mate recommending mod mini. Props to you. Class act. You've just earned a subscriber.
Respect man, never afraid of any job on a car no matter how big or small. this is some good content, keep it up :)
Will cheers will!
@@TheSavageGarage no worries, been watching your content for a while now and your still keeping it real. Working on cars that are affordable and doing in-depth jobs! We all appreciate it mate
i guess im randomly asking but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot the account password. I love any tips you can give me
@Josiah Kairo Instablaster =)
First week on the job as an level 3 apprentice and my 3rd job in was a head gasket on the Diesel one.... I hated it!
Like the video before it even started! Excellent content as always.
Nice job going well. I've always found my mini is easy to work on.
Superb video, overall. Good video work and GREAT mechanic skill.
Great video and workmanship James well done!! glad it's gone well so far 👍
NickH thanks nick
@@TheSavageGarage My pleasure bud, you seem a great guy and are incredibly inspirational to watch. looking forward to the next vid 👍
Hey bud, really hope you see this. I didn’t see the link for the guy with the step by step instructions. Would greatly appreciate the link bud!! Many thanks in advance
Do you HAVE to remove the rocker arms assembly for this ? I'm half way through the tear down and you can see all the head bolts so not sure if its necessary.
Did you remove the rocker arms ?
@@jonsutyautomotiverepair1993 I did in the end as I got the head skimmed
Well done mate! You are doing really well!
Great video mate, really good to see you stripping down every step.
Cant wait for next one.
Uuuuuuu.... silly James every Savage Garage episode is an exciting one. This was even more exciting. You really pulled a fast one on us with the cliffhanger. Nice one man. Can't wait to see what's wrong with the head. 👍
Costin Coteanu probably warped. Worsed case is pourous head then its new or second hand .
@@ctdisriguyvauxhaullmad1429 spoiler warning! 🤣🤣🤣
have you considered going for a waterless coolant upon rebuild ? might make a good video if nothing else,plus itd be good to see what improvements to the cooling system itd make.
Never say a jobs going easy until it's done.
Hopefully the head bolts go back in on cylinder 1 and the threads aren’t stripped.
Loving the cliff hanger! Be writing for Midsummer Murders soon!!! Lol
22:00 i guess you put your hat back int eh cardboard, my light got accidentally washed with the hat so now when i try to charge it on the mains, it just turns on. i do think what it really nees is the metal cage for support
Realistically that was pretty clean.... that amount of water is pretty normal for vehicles that run during colder seasons
Great video James I would definitely get the head skimmed though no point going through all the effort always better to be safe than sorry
If you live in Somerset I would use you on all of my cars mate you really know what you are doing y have you not gone to work in a garage we can see you love working on car all the time well done with all the good videos mate
Damn pretty awesome video 👌👌👍👌 buddy nice clean work and awesome assistance as well cheers
My mini has head gasket problem, can help?
when the head is off always get it pressure tested and skimmed if needed its a cheap 30/40 quid to make sure its right.. iv a funny feeling the 4 dirty looking valves and the other 4 may be the cliff hanger lol, has something been getting steam cleaned ;) you should get a mr and mrs savage repair done would be cool to see you both fixing a car
Looks like cylinder 1&2 are wet when you terned the head over thats probably where the gasket went.
I'm surprised you didn't use a impact Wrench/driver to help with the stripping down process
MrZimma frame I don’t really have a good one, I do want to buy a decent one!
@@TheSavageGarage I know you had the Lidl impact driver but do you have their impact wrench? It's meant to alright. If you get a brushless motor (impact or wrench) they are all pretty good.
You managed well without. If you were doing it for a living might more sense. Personally I prefer the peace and quiet and feel of ordinary spanners and sockets.
James if you don't see damage on the headgasket i suggest you to do water probe
Paint the valvecover in british racing green!
That's a sick idea, definitely do it
@@rsyt3113 im not keen on it either. Keep it black is better
We nearly met mrs savage..!
Id get head pressure tested as they can crack under the valves sometimes. Also you must have it skimmed every time a head is removed.
Must have it skimmed ? Why ?
Because if its slightly distorted itll blow the HG sooner if not almost straight away
@@jameswallace7709 Yes definitely have it skimmed everytime the head is removed if it's a aluminium head. Head skimming is usually £30-40 so it's worth having it done as it's so cheap.
Yup thats why i suggested it
Awesome video yet again. Quality mate
My mini is having same leak issue I feel like I might just replace the whole thing with a rebuilt one.
I wonder why the colour of those valve pairs were different to the other valves...
Zadster not sure.. could be something to do with burning coolant off? Not sure
Does your scrog net have 1" or 4" holes in it?
lots of corrosion of the water ways from not using antifreeze. id guess thats why you may not want to reuse it, its crept quite close to the combustion chamber. btw you should really skim heads that are messy and corroded or have overheated.
excellent video mate, can't wait to see the next part, 👍👍👍
You getting the head skimmed?
Ok just finshed watching good way to end it, on a cliff hanger like eastenders lol
How long did his take you to do ?
Second video I watched where you had some amazon tool to hold the camshaft in place and BOTH haven't fitted.....
I do It all so myself. Its worth
Lot off mini's have this problem? Why?
To much plastic things what cracks round the coolwater for the engine(plastic thermoshouse, etc) Thanks BMW
Music is your choice👍thanks for your support for this video
Holland
Carefull skimming mini heads, cam can snap if the head has warped. Deffo needs crack testing, the undamaged head gasket should ring alarm bells.
You put other youtubers to shame james. Another well detailed video 👏
Lewis fjdkek appreciate you
Great work James 👍
AST auto service tools. Used to be UK made, not sure nowadays
“I’m going to grab my tool” lol.
And see if it fits!
Died laughing there!
Theres three gold links on the chain that you align with the marks on the crank shaft and cam gear ,,,
Great video James , it’s clear a good tool box stocked with quality items is a must.
Well done mate 👍👍
Great video dude nice to see your misses having a guessed appearance lol
Ive been working on my own cars for years , never had the confidence to repair a head gasket or change timing belts , ive weighed in so many cars for headgasket failure shame really wishi had your confidence lol
Adric Howkins next time have a go, will be worth the same for scrap either way
Another great video! Can’t wait to see what comes next, and hopefully it’s not as bad as suggested at the end of this one!!👍
Nice job James...👍
Love it bud keep it up it's giving me motivation to do a head swap on the gsi due to a oil leak from one of the studs😔👍😂
Will u add it Made. Change out the drivechain. Better be safe than sorry.
Funny we both doing the same job on cars
That poor fiesta should get her out in a video soon miss that little fiesta 😥
For the price of a skim and pressure test why wouldn't you do it just to be sure and save the headache of taking all apart again