23 replies to this topic

[g8ndj]

Ive got a 1991 mayfair. I resently changed the following:

Air filter
Plugs
Oil Filter
Sump plug washer

It may be worth upgrading the air filter as the price diffrence is very small
Cheak the rotor arm and HT leads whiles your at it.

You may also what to change the brake fluid as its recormended life is only 2 years. It may also be worth changing brake pads.

All this will make your car feel like brand new.

[newdawn1st]

Apparently the sump plug washer for the Mondeo is a good alternative (to the copper one), is of the bonded type so should seal easier.

Edited by newdawn1st, 30 September 2009 - 03:10 PM.

[chappy]

Apparently the sump plug for the Mondeo is a good alternative (to the copper one), is of the bonded type so should seal easier.

just the washer, not the whole plug

[newdawn1st]

Apparently the sump plug for the Mondeo is a good alternative (to the copper one), is of the bonded type so should seal easier.

just the washer, not the whole plug

Thanks, could of sworn i typed that guess not, edited to read correct now

[joewb]

Check the rotor arm and HT leads whiles your at it.

how do i know what rotor arm i need? (yeah im extremely new to this, first time ive serviced my car!

[taffy1967]

Check the rotor arm and HT leads whiles your at it.

how do i know what rotor arm i need? (yeah im extremely new to this, first time ive serviced my car!

I'd imagine Halfords will know which one you need from your registration number?

1980's 998cc Minis either got a Lucas or a Ducelier type of distributor. You'll know if you have a Ducelier as your condenser will be attached on the outside.

So yes it'd be worth replacing the condenser at the same time as the rotor arm and contact breaker points.

Then make a note of the mileage (or fill out your own service record list like I do), so you'll know exactly when these parts need changing again.

[taffy1967]

Apparently the sump plug washer for the Mondeo is a good alternative (to the copper one), is of the bonded type so should seal easier.

Trouble is their not so easy to come by now, as my local Halfords has stopped stocking them. So can they be bought on-line? I always used the Mondeo type as it had that little seal which I was recommended using after I had my sump plug hole heli-coiled.

[taffy1967]

Anyway if you're new to Minis then I can't recommend this book enough (plus the Mini Haynes manual too): -



Earlier copies have a blue MK2 Mini Cooper on the cover, but the contents is virtually identical.

You can usually pick it up cheap via e-Bay or from Amazon: -

Click Me

It'll walk you through all the servicing jobs and provide little tips. The fact it has so many clear pictures is very helpful and it actually makes it look easy. The good news is that in most cases it is.

So get that book and give it a go.



Oh and nobody mentioned greasing the Minis suspension? So Halfords sell a good cylinder type (with a side lever arm) grease gun made by Wesco (I think). Also try and get the flexible end attachment as you'll need that to get at the top suspension arms up front. I tend to still use the fixed end attachment for the ball-joint swivels as due to the force required to pump the grease in, I've managed to rupture 2 flexible ends.

Halfords grease cylinders or tubes? are a bit pricey (at least the 'Comma' grease tubes at my local are). So I usually buy them from my other local motor factors (Spares World), which are around half the price. It's just a tube of LM Lithium Grease that's required on the Minis suspension nipples and there are a total of 6 up front (3 either side) and 2 at the rear (1 either side).

Edited by taffy1967, 30 September 2009 - 06:16 PM.

[taffy1967]

I've also spotted this Mini Renovation book at Halfords which looks pretty good: -



Click Me

I hope to get a copy for Xmas.