31 replies to this topic

[xchickyx]

I'm a fool, i havn't checked my engine levels in a while and everythings empty!

well two things are, see my crude diagram:



so those two things are empty, thats the radiator on the right and engine oil in the middle, right?

Please tell me what to fill up (and what with) and how much as my mini wont start!

sorry for being such an idiot, im new to the motor world

thankyou!

[Jammy]

The one on the left is the oil level of the engine and gearbox, did you check the level using the dipstick?

The one on the right is the radiator, needs refilling with roughly 50% water and 50% anti-freeze.

[xchickyx]

Ah right, the dip stick (in the circular pot next to the carb?) was fine for oil as i filled that up recently but the radiator was empty. so ill go get anti freeze then.

[Jammy]

No, the dipstick is the long stick type thing on the front of your engine, needs to be between the 'min' and 'max' levels.

Moved.

[xchickyx]

God, im not great at posting in the right place am i. Sorry about that.

I'll check dipstick.

[Big_Adam]

just to help

[xchickyx]

Thanks yeah i found it and its too low! I'm a twit!

Off to spend more money on the mini now then What oil does a 998cc take? from 1987.

[Retro_10s]

Just get some 20w50.

[incrediblerog]

i use halfords brand 20/50w (red bottle) but different people use different oils

edit: beaten to it but quite chuffed to find i use the right oil! lol

Edited by incrediblerog, 27 December 2006 - 04:06 PM.

[xchickyx]

sure, thanks.

[il-barba]

i bought mine, with low level of oil....in the future (as its garaged) im wanting to change the oil and here i have read that it would be better if i warmed the engine....can i simply add some oil to start it? or i can just change it without starting it? or should i start it for little time with less than minimum oil?

[Jimmyarm]

When you say you bought it with a low level of oil, how low is that ? If there is none in it then it shouldnt be run at all ! There could be major internal damage.

If its just low, as in at the low level on the dipstick or just below it then just start it and let it run for a couple of minutes then let it settle for about 5 minutes then drain the oil out. Warming it up just helps all the oil & sludge to run out.

If you dont know when it was last changed and the oil is really sludgy and black when it comes out, its worth changing it and the filter then doing it again after 50 miles or so just to flush it out a bit.

Make sure you do the filter at the same time too....

And for the record, I use 15w 40 oil Halfords Blue bottle

Edited by Jimmyarm, 27 December 2006 - 04:32 PM.

[Purple Tom]

Also, I hate to say it but if it won't start I don't think putting any oil or coolant in there is suddenly going to make it run.

Ideally you need to be checking for a spark and fuel as well.

[il-barba]

When you say you bought it with a low level of oil, how low is that ? If there is none in it then it shouldnt be run at all ! There could be major internal damage.

If its just low, as in at the low level on the dipstick or just below it then just start it and let it run for a couple of minutes then let it settle for about 5 minutes then drain the oil out. Warming it up just helps all the oil & sludge to run out.

If you dont know when it was last changed and the oil is really sludgy and black when it comes out, its worth changing it and the filter then doing it again after 50 miles or so just to flush it out a bit.

Make sure you do the filter at the same time too....

the thing is that it leaks so its oil has gone down with time. yes i think i'll flush it as for VRT (our mot) i want it to be in tip top condition

i'll see when i come to oil.

[Jimmyarm]

I see, in that case, just make sure that the oil level is above the 'min' mark on the dipstick next time you start it up

And fix the leak !