13 replies to this topic

[sammy47]

Looking to buy a 2005 mini one convertible from a franchised dealer  & the valeters in the garage jet washed the engine & the car will not start.   It has obviously affected the electrics but could it have done more damgage?

 

Thanks in advance

[lukepilot]

They jet washed the engine? Please tell me that this isn't a common occurence.

[sledgehammer]

I used to steam clean cars for a living - no problems with engines apart for dizzi cap condensation & ht leads

 

but now cars don't seem to have the engine bays cleaned at all by garages selling them -

 

the electrics & sensors do seem more prone to damage & failure now

 

I would guess it will be a wire or connection that has got water in it - but obviously can't say for sure

 

but it maybe just an excuse from a salesman for a non starter - they are renown for their honesty 

Edited by sledgehammer, 21 December 2013 - 10:27 PM.

[robminibcy]

I used to work next door to a van dealer once. They used to jet wash their cars and vans. On day they were really struggling to start a van that had been washed. They took all the air filter and pipe work off and it was full of water the paper element was mush. amazingly though once the pipe work was dried and filter replaced it was fine!

[Gadgets]

i would buy a different one, loads out there! Great time of year for car bargains.  Water will of got into every nook and crannie. Or is this a wind up posting about BINI on the TMF Classic Mini forum?

[sledgehammer]

i would buy a different one, loads out there! Great time of year for car bargains.  Water will of got into every nook and crannie. Or is this a wind up posting about BINI on the TMF Classic Mini forum?

 

Not really a wind up - as the classic mini could be easily fixed when a steam clean killed the engine

 

we still need to be nice to BINI owners - they can't help it if they buy big grown up MINI's

[HarrysMini]

 

i would buy a different one, loads out there! Great time of year for car bargains.  Water will of got into every nook and crannie. Or is this a wind up posting about BINI on the TMF Classic Mini forum?

 

Not really a wind up - as the classic mini could be easily fixed when a steam clean killed the engine

 

we still need to be nice to BINI owners - they can't help it if they buy big grown up MINI's

 

Yet they still continue to post in the wrong forum. Is it really that hard to understand?

 

Try mini2.com or totalmini.com 

 

I personally wouldn't buy a car from someone who had jet washed the engine, how thick could you get?

[Alex_B]

This isn't necessarily the wrong forum, there are owners of both on here, and the less they get turned away the more likely there will be someone who can help, I honestly don't understand why people are so against assisting,
This issue isn't MINI specific thus anyone with mechanical knowledge can help, obviously if there is a MINI specific problem you might get a better response on a new MINI forum but it's also worth asking here as it's one of the more active forums i have found

[tiger99]

Yes, and also there is nothing wrong with jet washing engines if done sensibly, on a Mini, a Bini, or even a Lada.....

 

But on a Nissan, the pressure will probably blow the car away and just leave the heavy bits like the engine.

 

Oh, and the correct tool for cleaning a BMW X5 or Nissan Navarra is a gas axe!

Edited by tiger99, 22 December 2013 - 10:16 AM.

[Alex_B]

Yes, and also there is nothing wrong with jet washing engines if done sensibly, on a Mini, a Bini, or even a Lada.....
 
But on a Nissan, the pressure will probably blow the car away and just leave the heavy bits like the engine.

NEVER jet wash a lada, it would break the jet washer! ;)

[minilee94]

Surley you shouldn't be worrying about it they should be sorting it out

[wile e coyote]

BINI's do seem to be very sensitive beasties, great cars when they work but outrageously expensive when they don't.. question OP ought to ask himself is why it was thought necessary to jetwash it in the first place?? I mean there's unnecessary plakky covers everywhere so to make it look clean generally only needs a tin of jif bathroom cleaner and a gentle rub / hose down afterwards.....so why did they choose to do it - besides being morons.....catastrophic oil leak spatter?

 

Move on - as other have said plenty more out there, plenty better cars of the type too - many that don't attract a massive brand premium as well - try a Honda civic (think I've just shot myself in the foot re brand premium) - plug ugly but beautifully put together and an engaging drive too...(ok not available as a convertible...)

 

If you're determined to have this one - bear in mind they won't sell it to anyone else at this point - murder them on the price and get a written extended warranty on all things electronic.....

 

I think the main reason why no one cleans engines anymore is that no one bothers to look - we all just rely on the fact it's a modern anonymous plastic covered lump - it'll work - end of and if it doesn't bearing in mind its packed full of electronics pack it off to the garage to fix where a 12yo will plug it into a diagnostic...you can't tell very much from looking under the bonnet any more.... unlike the old mini that a good poke about told you all you needed to know...

 

 

ps come on guys - I don't own and never will own a BINI - but face it they're there - serve to maintain and enhance the awareness of our proper mini's. The majority of us have nothing like the knowledge that we have on the real cars - but where's the harm in trying to help where we can???

[mini93]

I used to steam/jet wash the rally cars after they came back from the rallies, super muddy everywhere. took a lot of cleaning up, never had a problem using the jet wash on the engine

[Carlos W]

If you still want the car

 

Firstly, make sure they fix it, and secondly as above, make sure you get an extended warranty for the damage.

 

If you don't want the car, ask for any deposit back and go and find another one, there are loads out there!

 

Ask them for a courtesy car and money off! (Be cheeky the worst they can say is no)