25 replies to this topic

[robtheplod]

Model: Equinox spi
Year: 1996
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Were just going through what needs doing to our newly aquired Equinox, and have just filled it up for the second time. To put in £16 it's done 147 miles which i think is a bit poor?? - it does do short journeys to be fair but even so. I have fitted a new fuel filter and there are no signs of leaks anywhere - it runs fine. I think a service will help, but not sure how much ... do i need to do long journeys for the ECU to decide mixes etc??

The air filter was replaced by a local chap as it was in a bad way (thanks shaun if you're reading!!) - this was a 2nd hand one but still better than mine!!

It was supposed to have been serviced prior to us getting it but rusty spark plugs say otherwise! - I have a shopping list of bits to carry out and just wanted your opinions on the suitability for our equinox (especially the spark plugs as there seems to be many types):

minispares part numbers (engine is all standard 1275cc):

4 x spark plugs BP7EVX
1 x air filter GFE1143
1 x oil (20/50w)
1 x sump plug DAM7335 (just in case!)
1 x sump washer AED172
1 x oil filter GFE166
spark leads C-27H7779

many thanks

Edited by robtheplod, 17 January 2009 - 01:15 PM.

[the.stroker]

If the car was supposed to have been seviced and clearly was not i would be banging on the door of whoever i purchased it from demanding to know why,was it a private or trade sale????
as for servicing i get my stuff from halfords as i have a trade card,i use halfords green classic 20/50 oil and bosh super 4 ( 4 electrode ) spark plugs,standard air filter element,and an engine flush prior to the oil change,dont forget to check your grease nipples on the front upper and lower ball joints and rear radius arms as this is often missed out on services,i would certainly be checking this out on yours given the dodgy so called service it hasnt had.
as for mpg values there are so many variables,under-inflated tyres,short journeys and the lack of a decent service are all contributing factors,the ECU will constantly alter things as it goes along,wether the journey be 2 minutes or 2 hours

in a crux if the spark plugs are rusty then you have to sumise everything else will need to be changed,take it back to where you got it and demand a full sevice!

Edited by the.stroker, 17 January 2009 - 01:30 PM.

[L400RAS]

Hi Robtheplod,

I would agree with stroker, i would be asking for either compensation, or a service from the seller? anyway, i have calculated the mpg, (depending on what price per litre) its around 35mpg, not bad for town runs with no crusing etc and depending on how you drive!. You might get around 45mpg on a run.

Regarding new oil, again i agree with stroker, i would add to use good quality mineral oil (iassume halfords green classic is) - millers or duckhams is good (no semi or full synthetic and none of this castrol gtx magnatec!)
Spark plugs - those you mention read ok, but are really pricey! I would recommend NGK BPR6ES, or champion equivalents.

Ryan.

Edited by L400RAS, 17 January 2009 - 01:40 PM.

[taffy1967]

Yes NGK BPR6ES are available from Halfords (the 'R' denotes resister, for electronic ignition Minis).

I believe the packaging has '710' stamped on it for Mini 1275cc with electronic ignition applications. But you can always check in their spark plug range manual that's usually there by their plugs.

Oh and I bought a set of red Lumenition HT Leads from Mini Spares last year and their fantastic. Their on part no. HV22: -

http://www.minispare...=...ILICON FROM...

(Ignore the illustrated picture though, as you do get 5 leads in that set.)

Oh and don't forget to buy a grease gun and a tube of grease and lubricate all those nipples.

Edited by taffy1967, 24 January 2009 - 11:46 PM.

[robtheplod]

thanks for all your replies. The car was purchased from a dealer and I'm currently going through the process with Trading Standards etc..

Do Halfords also have the air filter for the mini?
I've found a 4 pack of NGK BPR6ES on the Halfords site, description:

NGK Sparkplugs 710 - BPR6ES-VP4 - pack of 4
Cat. code: 723718-0
NGK Sparkplugs 710 pack of 4

do these sound right?? much cheaper than the ones i was looking at on minispares - these are 9.99 for 4, they were 6.50 odd for 1 on minispares ... makes me suspicious??!!

Edited by robtheplod, 17 January 2009 - 03:55 PM.

[Ethel]

Plugs are fairly universal items so I doubt Minspares try to compete on price with general motor factors. Could be the Minspares ones are also priced for 4 though, it does seem pricey for 1 plug and would be comparable with vat.

had a look out of curiosity - did you price up bp9 race plugs instead of 6 or 7's?

[robtheplod]

thanks, with the NGK plugs will i have to adjust the gap on them, or should they be fine as they are (if i do need to adjust do i need metric or imperial feeler guages??)... thanks everyone!!

[Ethel]

Always check gaps before fitting. You'll get data in either metric or imperial, most people are more familiar with imperial on Minis. 32thou for your plugs, I believe.

[the.stroker]

if you get the bosch super 4,the gaps on the electrodes are pre-se at the factory,always check anyway as a matter of course,you can get standard air filter elements from halfords for a few ££

[icklemini]

I'm currently going through the process with Trading Standards etc..

Blimey - did you actually speak with the garage??

All the service items are available from halfords or your local factors..

go for the NGK BPR6ES plugs..
air filter
oil filter
fuel filter...
plug leads (not a fan on Halfords plug leads to be honest)
20/50 oil
sump plug washer..
sump plug - not necessary... as these tend to be ok... the threads in the gearcase take the damage!!!
rocker cover gasket - (setting the rockers??)
oil filler cap.
grease gun (and grease) - for the suspension nipples...
spray grease - door hinges
brake cleaner
copper grease (for brake parts and to smear along the pipes under the car)

you need feeler blades to set plugs and rockers clearance...

poor fuel economy can also be down to the vac hoses leaking/disconnected along its path to the ECU.. makes it not nice to drive and uses fuel...

hth,
Dave

[robtheplod]

thanks Dave.
Long story but basically mini was resprayed and looked nice with supposedly lots of new panels and work done, which now does not look like the case after an assesment. garage owner gone to ground and not in the talking mood so no real choice with how i progress this - had hoped he would discuss a solution but there ya go!

we'll see in the coming week or so how this pans out..

Edited by robtheplod, 17 January 2009 - 07:05 PM.

[taffy1967]

thanks for all your replies. The car was purchased from a dealer and I'm currently going through the process with Trading Standards etc..

Do Halfords also have the air filter for the mini?
I've found a 4 pack of NGK BPR6ES on the Halfords site, description:

NGK Sparkplugs 710 - BPR6ES-VP4 - pack of 4
Cat. code: 723718-0
NGK Sparkplugs 710 pack of 4

do these sound right?? much cheaper than the ones i was looking at on minispares - these are 9.99 for 4, they were 6.50 odd for 1 on minispares ... makes me suspicious??!!

Yes that sounds like the ones, I was probably getting 710 confused with 071. I'll have to double check my old packaging next time I'm in the garage.

[robtheplod]

Right, now got the NGK BPR6ES plugs. Quick query on the gap. The man in the shop said it's all set, but folks on here seem to recommend checking it. The NGK website seems to recommend 0.9mm gap for the mini, but Haynes says 0.8mm and 0.6mm (albeit for champion types). What do you set your NGK's to??

thanks!!

Edited by robtheplod, 18 January 2009 - 12:58 PM.

[icklemini]

to be honest they do come pre-set.. though it doesnt hurt to check.. aim for .9 or .8 (.1 difference wont make a huge difference in reality!)

[robtheplod]

thanks for the replies. will a 4.5 litre can of oil be enough for an oil change as it seems the capacity of the engine is a tad more than this?