Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Tick Tock]

A couple of weeks ago I noticed the exhaust was throwing out a lot of vapour when the engine had warmed up, and after a 10 minute stop I tried to start the engine, but it was hydraulically siezed..... a cylinder full of water methinks!! 120k on the clock, and only changed the cam belt last year!

After a couple of attempts, engine started okay, and was still running as sweet as a nut, although a couple of miles later the 'low coolant level' warning came on. Good job it was just a local journey, so managed to get home and the poor thing hasn't left the driveway since.

In my former years, I carried out full engine overhauls on 'straight 6' BMC 2912cc engines (technology from 40 years ago). I couldn't stomach a garage repair bill of £***** and the car isn't worth it, so have decided to set myself a spring/summer top-end project. I've got quite attached to the old girl, so no rush, no hassle, just take it a step at a time. Here's how far I've got in 2 days.



I've never come across so many pipes, cables, hoses and connectors before, but have to admit I'm still feeling enthusiastic about the project. I've taken plenty of pics, drawn lots of diagrams, and labelled plenty of bits.... most of which I can identify so far 

Still not even half way there yet, but next job will be removing the camshafts. Any pointers or advice welcome (or even words of encouragment). A big thank you for the PDF doc by iggy21uk on OOF, outlining the main process of taking the V6 lump apart.... and plenty of pics to help me along the way.

I've since found that the timing cover and backplate come off much easier when the front belt tensioner is removed first!

[0795omega]

braver man than me! but big pat on the back for taking it on,just go at it like you say steadily as and when you feel like it,satisfaction of doing it all yourself when finished will be great/not to mention huge saving in garage bill!! good luck.

[Tick Tock]

Thank you 0795omega....

Have been advised to put this thread in general chat, so over and out from this page.

[Jimbob]

[movedhere] Test Zone [move by] Jimbob.

[Varche]

Good luck with the job.

Is it a 98 car by any chance? My Red Omega loses water and I suspect it is from the rear of the passenger side bank rear cylinder. It will be interesting to see where your problem is? maybe you would only need to do the passenger side if you see the problem on head removal? Unless you are planning some form of overhaul at the same time.

Keep us posted as the job progresses.

[sotmh]

yep.  as 0795omega says; take it slowly and step by step as and when.

You've taken right pre steps: photos diags etc.  This will be great when come to reassembly.

I'm sure there will be lots of help on here if you get stuck.  Also see V6CDexr? on his project.  He is says he is a novice.  If that is the case I have not even been  formed yet in these stakes and I'm attempting mine, all be it 2.0l.

Whatever happens, don't get disillusioned just persevere.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Here's Mick Dundees under the knife (2.6 but very similar)

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1236287115/0

[andyc]

Been there, mine had a leak on the NS head at the back.
Just remember that when torquing the head down don't take a phone call and forget where you were....

and remember to fit the coolant pipe to the back of the block before you start building up the coolant bridge, to be far i was 2:30am .

keep at it as its isn't as bad as it looks and the slam panel makes a nice place to sit while your working on the engine

All the best with the job

Andy

[Elite Pete]

What you need while your there is a nice set of 3.0 cams for a bit more umph and I know just where there might be some

[Darth Loo-knee]

Well Done
It is Brilliant to see Owners having a Go themselves and Posting what they're doing 

I think you are doing it right by marking up the parts so you know where they go.

Before removing your Cams make sure the Crank is turned anti clockwise 60 degrees BTDC, this ensures all the pistons are down the bores 

Same thing when you remove the cams put them in the order you take them out or how you see them from the front of the car... e.g Number 1 to the left (drivers side) then 2> 3> 4 (passenger side).
Make sure each Cams Caps are in the right order too even make a note of the numbers on the side so you don't mix them up that is really important

Go luck with it and keep us posted

Daz

[Tick Tock]

Thanks for the feedback and hints / tips. I've spent a couple of hours looking at MD's 2.6 job as per link above (all 17 pages of it), and although it's a slightly different lump, there's lots of interesting info there. I did wonder why the crank should be 60 dgreees BTDC, but it's all become clear now.

It's a 2001 mini facelift, and no idea which pot is giving trouble yet, but I'll be taking both heads off.... not much point going this far and only doing half a job!

How much difference do the 3.0 cam followers make to the performance, and what physical differences are there?

[millwall]

well done that man  i wouldnt have the balls to have a go at such a big job

[Darth Loo-knee]

3.0 cams will increase by about 15-25 bhp. Wont notice it off the mark but from 70 ish 

[henryd]

3.0 cams will increase by about 15-25 bhp. Wont notice it off the mark but from 70 ish 

just finished doing mine,above about 3500 rpm is when the action starts

[russ0205]

Braver man than me good luck mate,