4 replies to this topic

[leroy26]

what does the big pipe do that goes from the wheel arch to the heater? i cant get it to stay in proper


also when i change from screen to car it makes no difference!!

[tiger99]

The big pipe, annoying thing that it is, brings fresh air from the front of the car to the heater. There is, in many models, a takeoff from the top of the big plastic box at the rear of the wheel arch to feed the fresh air inlet on the dashboard too, and if so, there is a smaller hose on the other side to feed the other vent only.

These things are such a pain, that I regularly dream of eliminating them on my next Mini, by bringing air in through slots in the scuttle like most cars. However, I realise that it will be very difficult, with the wiper drive mechanism in the way, amongst other things. To get neat slots, I would cut the slotted section out of a scrap car and weld it in, as there is no hope of making those easily at home. It would need at least two groups of slots, one each side, with an air collector box underneath, and the wiper drive may have to pass through teh air collector boxes, and be sealed to them. Also, they would each need a drain tube, to exit under the car, as obviously water runs into these on every car. I don't know if I will ever have the time and energy to do such a modification.

As to your controls not working, I guess that the flaps in the heater do not move correctly when you move the lever. There are several different types of heater used in the Mini, but in any case it probably has to come out, which is quite easy, to strip it down.

[leroy26]

would i be able to get an hose clip on that big annoying pipe to hold it on?
do they make one that big??

[maccers]

Cable tie, or two joined up. The big snorkle on my tumble dryer has a big jubilee clip to hold it on so I guess they are available.

[leroy26]

lol! never think of the simple route!
cheers