22 replies to this topic

[MarkMcD]

This is just a question I want to see what people's opinions are, but whilst servicing my mini this week I wondered whether I could Jack it using the sump cover. I've seen that some folks use the sump itself which personally I would never do, but the cover attaches to the subframe which is what I use anyway. Any thoughts?

[Steve220]

I wouldn't, it'd put stress on the engine mounts. Use a block of wood on the subframe.

 

See you're at Lossie! Spent 3.5 years there, loved every minute of that tour!

[FlyingScot]

What cover? Wait....what year and model?

FS

[nicklouse]

This is just a question I want to see what people's opinions are, but whilst servicing my mini this week I wondered whether I could Jack it using the sump cover. I've seen that some folks use the sump itself which personally I would never do, but the cover attaches to the subframe which is what I use anyway. Any thoughts?

no idea what you are on about.

 

been jacking on the sump for years. just use a spreader (bit of wood). best way to check the engine mounts as well.

[Dusky]

Sump guard probably.

[cal844]

I occasionally jack on the sump but use a 4x2 piece of wood as a spreader

[sonikk4]

I think most of us at one point in time or another have jacked on the gearbox as mentioned but do check the engine mounts first. And yes using a piece of wood to spread the load is advisable.

The best thing to do though is as Steve220 said, a piece of wood that will contact both sides of the subframe.

[Spider]

I've been Jacking the front ends up under the sump since the mid 70's and can't say I've had an issue from it. This is with a Trolley Jack.

 

I have had the odd mount fail, but they were on the way out anyway.

 

Perhaps some timber might be a good idea, if only to make the Jack much less likely to slip off.

[Cooperman]

The OP said the 'sump cover'. Does he actually mean the sump or has he got a sump guard? If he has a sump guard he can jack on that with no worries, but I know I always hesitate to jack directly under the sump when the weight of the car goes straight into the engine mounts.

[MarkMcD]

Yeah sorry. It's the sump guard I'm on about. I've a 96 SPI Japanese Import. The guard attaches to the sub frame so looks like it should be fine to Jack from.

[nicklouse]

most likely bend it.

[imaparana]

if its a flimsy sump guard i personally wouldnt do either, as itll bend and if it hits the sump you may aswell be jacking on the sump, ends up being an easy way to ruin some engine mounts

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

wow. Always thought it was a big no no using the sump. Wouldn't it put stress on the engine mounts and shorten their life

[Cooperman]

A 'proper' sump guard is ideal for jacking, but it depends whether one has a proper guard or one of those useless 'cosmetic' ones which would bend if you hit one with a rice pudding.

I always jack on mine, but I can land on mine at 70 mph on a rocky road and it doesn't damage it.

Never jack under the sump as it puts a lot of weight straight into the engine mounts in pure shear loading.

[Spider]

I've been Jacking the front ends up under the sump since the mid 70's and can't say I've had an issue from it. This is with a Trolley Jack.

 

I have had the odd mount fail, but they were on the way out anyway.

 

Perhaps some timber might be a good idea, if only to make the Jack much less likely to slip off.

 

A Caveat to my (and likely other's) posts. I wouldn't use a bottle type Jack under the sump.

 

As Cooperman has said in regards to Jacking under the Sump Guard, if you can't jack under it without bending it, may as well take it off as it's doing nothing what so ever, certainly not offering any protection.