22 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

Just call it an under tray if it's too flimsy to be a sump guard  .

 

Can't do your engine mounts much good. I expect the weight is similar, but you haven't got the wedging effect loading the rubber in compression as much. If you do it, try and have a peek to see if the bottom edges are still bonded together.

[MarkMcD]

Cheers for all the comments. What is clear is that there is a lot of mixed opinions regarding jacking on the sump, considering there is a lot of experience on here. I'm fairly new to the mini scene as grew up with them in the family and my first car was a 86 mini city. Finally got round to getting one now the kids are a bit older. My guard is around 3 to 4 mm thick so is fairly meaty. Think I'll stick to the sub frame for now!🤔

[minisilverbullet]

I do it all the time, no issues. it is particularly useful when getting the car onto axle stands. 

[Cooperman]

A proper sump guard is around 1/4" thick if made from steel or 3/8" thick if an aluminium one.
Any thinner and it won't do the intended job of protecting the sump.
That's why you can lift the car with a jack under it.
The other issue is the reduction in oil cooling when one is fitted.

[gazza82]

For those of us not taught imperial measurements! (I was and still use it! )

 

1/4" = 6.35mm

3/8" = 9.525mm

[jomaoliveira79]

Always jacked front on engine sump with some wood between until 3 months ago when the engine mount next to Radiator broke, so better do it always on subframe.

[nicklouse]

Always jacked front on engine sump with some wood between until 3 months ago when the engine mount next to Radiator broke, so better do it always on subframe.

So I have to ask why were you jacking it up?

If to change the engine mount then not clever.

If for any other reason it showed you that you needed to change an engine mount you did not know about.

Seriously if they are in fair condition they should not fail.


As as the OPs car is a Jap import I bet the sump cover is just that. Something that looks like a sumo guard but is not one as many things added to the Jap cars was look rather than function.

[jomaoliveira79]

At the front now I Jack it always on subframe under driveshaft or if the whole front need to be raised on subframe behind number plate with some wood between jack and subframe.
Might be a good idea to install a innocenti type sumpguard on subframe and use it as a jacking point.
Mini is a difficult car to jack specially on the road and saddly that happens to me often as the car run crossply tyres with tubes.