6 replies to this topic

[Gnielsen]

I have recently acquired a 1970 Austin mini mk ll Cooper and it appears original. The car underwent a full restoration 16 years ago, was driven for one year and parked ever since. All the hydrolastic suspension looks good, save for a dust boot. Need to pump up to test for leaks. If the hydrolastic holds I will be restoring to original, eg keep hydrolastics and stock 998 Cooper engine etc, else I’ll probably go a different direction and upgrade to 1275, coil overs, etc and thereby diverging from original condition. My question : do I purchase a hydrolastic pump and pressurize with proper fluid (not aware of local club with pump to borrow, and car is not mobile) to test, or can I diagnose by filling with air from my compressor - my concern about air is the entrainment of moisture. I’m guessing air will disclose major leaks, but might be inconclusive regarding slow leaks.

[whistler]

Keep it Hydro. I'm just restoring a 66 mk1 hydro. Had all the displacer hoses replaced and pressure tested over here by Ian Kennedy of Telford, UK.

https://www.facebook...ydrosuspension/

 

I would ask Ian about access to a Hydro Pump in BC. He might have contacts that might be useful to you.

[mab01uk]

Definitely keep it Hydrolastic on a 1970 Austin Mini mk ll Cooper, conversion to dry is usually unnecessary and reduces the value of the car as it is a major loss of originalty to that era of classic Mini.

If you need anything as said above try:-
Hydragas and Hydrolastic Service Ltd:-
https://hahsltd.co.uk/

Also MiniMail can repair leaking displacer hoses and supply reconditioned units.
Hydrolastic Displacers £108.00 incl. VAT

"We have developed a way of putting a new hose on hydrolastic units . We offer (when available) refurbed used units that have been pressure tested,checked and repainted with new gaiter and a new hose . These are done on an exchange basis . For a guide as to what might be suitable for re-hosing , see download below. We also have used units from time to time that we pressure test and sell as they are. £84 surcharge on old unit till returned."
Scroll down for info:-
https://www.minimail.co.uk/parts/

Edited by mab01uk, 10 October 2022 - 05:52 PM.

[Spider]

If you can sensibly keep it on Hydro, leave it that way.

 

Of course, these days, you can't get new bags, though to a small point, the old ones can be 'refurbished' though the valving inside all of them will have long failed by now so inevitably, you need to run shocks on the front too.

 

If you find you can't get decent Hydro Bags, then really, your only option is to go dry.

[Andosoft]

You dont want to introduce air into the system. Air compresses and wont get you off the bump stop in any case i think.

If you dont have access to the original fluid, pump it with the ready made radiator fluid (green Penrite) which is almost the same formula except the alcohol.

I made a grease gun hand pump with a pressure gauge and schrader valve attachment - worked a treat until i could get it to a shop with proper pump and fluid.

Example on the forum here, but also full explanation here https://members.trip...erica/id63.html

[goudoogje]

Keep! 

[Gnielsen]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I will definitely do what I can to keep it wet.