This month sees a variety of things I have done or become involved with, so is very much a rambling post, or as some people say, a catch up (or ketchup). So, what have I been up to since taking “Bluebelle” to Mini Fest last month? Well loads, but, we might as well start with “Bluebelle”.
Bluebelle Leaking Oil Again
Since the good weather extended well into September, I decided to renew the road tax on “Bluebelle” so that I could enjoy her late into the autumn. My plan now is to declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) at the end of October. “Bluebelle” is not yet old enough to be declared historic and enjoy being road tax free.
I last serviced “Bluebelle” in February this year, so that she was ready for the summer season, and what a lovely summer season we have all had, and for me in particular, driving around in a classic Mini cabriolet with the top down. When I bought “Bluebelle”, the previous owners thought that there was a bad gearbox oil leak coming from the four speed Mini automatic gearbox, and during the winter of 2025 into 2026, I resolved not one, but three leaks. The engine was cleaned, and the engine bay put back to immaculate condition, with even a splash of paint in some locations that needed it.
After taking her to Mini Fest, I noticed a drop in oil level, and I know the engine doesn’t burn any oil. So, suspiciously, I took a good look around, and I could see fresh golden clean engine oil dripping down the front of the automatic gearbox casing. It was running quite quickly when the engine was running, and, I could not see exactly where it was coming from. Argghh..!
A friend came around, and we took the front grill off, and we traced it to the oil filter. This was changed along with the seal back in February, and the seal only lasted 6 months and 634 miles.
Fortunately, I carry spares, and a new seal (and filter) was fitted. Automatic Minis don’t use the spin on type filter, they use the old fashioned cartridge type. I topped the oil up and went for a spin to the jet wash to ensure the engine and engine bay was back to being immaculate again.
Minibus Driving
For the last 10 years or so, I have been a volunteer minibus driver for my local Methodist church. I have done thousands of miles over the years, and carried many many passengers and community groups. I do not get paid, nor take a tip. I do it for the love of His community. This 17 seater minibus is rather special in the North Shropshire area because it is able to take two disabled passengers at the rear of the vehicle using it’s hydraulic lift.
Recently, I have done three runs in the minibus, a community group of older people needed to enjoy an evening out at the Victoria Hall in Hanley (Stoke-On-Trent) to see the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Not something I have an interest in, so I dropped them off, and found somewhere to park up and start this article. The oil leak on “Bluebelle” above was written while waiting for them.
Another longer run I did was take five missionaries from our church to Birmingham airport for them to fly to Romania in order to help with the building of a new church there. This has been an on going project, and I understand friendships have blossomed. May He bless all involved in this venture.
A third long run, was to return to the airport to collect them on their return leg. They were all safely returned home.
I love driving this minibus and helping people in the community, who, without drivers like myself with driving license category D1 on their driving license, frankly, may not get to go out. This vehicle is a big enabler for them. Access to this community disabled minibus resource is possible via contacting Market Drayton Methodist Church.
Felicity the Rally Mini
As you know from a previous rambling about being in a rally team called Team Spider Pig, we have been rebuilding the engine on this car. This has taken a very long time, and has been very much one step forward and two back at times, and this month is very much that.
The problem was that when we ran the engine on the bench, we spotted oil dripping down the back of the block. Another Mini with an oil leak. This was coming from the cylinder head to block face, but, the block has been “decked” to ensure that it was flat. We assumed incorrectly that the gasket just needed nipping down a little more. We did, and broke an ARP head stud. Snapped. These have various grades of hardness, and whatever was ordered was no better than a standard Mini head stud. We were unable to take it out, so we had to crane the engine and gearbox into the back of the team owners Subaru, and take it to a machine shop. We tested the cylinder head for flatness, and it was warped like a banana. Off it went too for skimming. We also noticed the gasket was very thin, and this would not help in eliminating imperfections. We have gone back to a standard Mini cylinder head gasket which is thicker and standard head studs.
Now everything is back, we have the cylinder head back on, and as you can see from the photos, fresh oil is being added. We just need to add the ignition, starter motor, carburettor, and exhaust and then check the timing and valve clearances and we should be able to get her to run on the bench again. And ready for the next problem..! It is probably better that a problem occurs on the workbench than when in the car when we’re going sideways through a forest, or rather, when mowing daisy’s spinning backwards..!
Servicing Sebbie
As you know from the fleet, “Sebbie” is Mrs Rambling Motorist’s Vauxhall Corsa. And in getting ready for winter and the annual MOT road worthy inspection, due in November, we noticed that “Sebbie” needed two new tyres, not down to the legal limit, but getting there. Carrying the family in winter, a tyre with a decent grip is an absolute must. The only thing left to do before the end of the month is to do a mini service, oil, filters, fluids, spark plugs etc.
So, as you can see, I have been very busy helping others, as well as maintaining our fleet of cars.
Mark Smith
“The Rambling Motorist“