It might surprise you to know that the A-Series engine has a vibration problem!
However, the factory knew about it years ago and designed a ‘dampener’ to help absorb or counterbalance this problem.
The most common damper was a one-piece affair, which is actually a pulley with an outer metal ring connected to it by a special vulcanised rubber.
This was a great, simple design, but it has an inherent problem that comes to light with age. If the rubber dries up and/or is exposed to oil, dirt, etc. it cracks and stops ‘dampening’.
At best, this will result in noticeable vibration, which will quickly lead to damaging wear on the crank bearings. In severe cases, the rubber can totally separate, resulting in all kinds of destruction. Check the back side of your dampener the next time you are in the engine bay – it could scare you!
Thankfully, Mini Spares has the solution. Part number AHU1878 is Mini Spares’ own Crank Damper/Harmonic Balancer which is made in the UK and is suitable for A Plus equipped Minis up to the MPI in 1996. It is also suitable for many other A series cars including the Austin /Morris 1100/1300 range, the Midget and the Austin Healey Sprite.
Order as part number AHU1878 at £144 inc VAT with more details from Mini Spares on 01707 607 700 or via www.minispares.com ENDS.