15 replies to this topic

[smalbutsweet]

being new to this car owing lark,im in the learning process and dont want to be taken for a ride so, whats the difference between a general and full service?? how often does it need doing? whats the going rate? and are there bits i could do myself...?

[MiniThirty]

I'd recommend you buy a haynes manual, there is a full section on servicing. I recently serviced my mini with a friend and all I needed to buy were a few parts. Spark plugs gaskets ht leads oil filter etc etc. Easy to do yourself if you dont mind getting your hands dirty

Adam

[miniman5]

Easy to do your own work and it is more satisfying.... cheaper too just follow the haynes comic... you will get more pleasure out of doing your own work.

start by dropping your oil and changing the filter, air filter, plugs (remember to set the gaps), then start by going into your more mechanical side of things check ball joints, breaks, dashpot oil (use automatic transmition fluid for your carb oil this will run your car smoother... check this once a week same with your rad water and oil)

this is a start

[clubman katie B.F]

here here mini man!! go for it you will save yourself a fortune, once you get familiar with your engine )

[philster]

what a service entails is entirely up to the garage, whether the mechanic wants a bacon butty and wether or not they will just clean up your spark plugs instead of fitting new ones, usually they spend more time scratching their nuts than working on your car but bill you for the labour anyway.

Seriuosly though as said already go get a haynes manual, okay you may not want to mess with your brakes if you don't know what your doing but cahnging spark plugs and air filters is childs play. Plus you've got the help of forum members so if you get stuck just ask away.

[Cir-clipalot]

dont forget to get a grease gun and grease the chassis lubrication points (im trying not to say "grease nipples"!!) too as they are often overlooked on minis!
While you have to invest in a few tools at first eg spark plug wrench, oil filter wrench, grease gun, they pay for themselves after the first service, buy good quality ones and they'll last a lifetime...
And good point philster some garage just do an oil change and call it a service!!
Finally some of the things that are done on a bigger service (and i always do when i buy a new car unless it has FSH, which of course it never does) are really really easy like changing the HT leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm...pull old ones off push new ones on, no tools rqd! :smartass:

[Guess-Works.com]

I'd recommend purchasing the TMF_CD which not only has ALL the manuals on, but also the ROVER schedule for servicing, what's in and what's out. :cheese:

[Bluemini]

Another shameless plug from the Guessmiester

[MiniThirty]

Ohh theres no need for an oil filter spanner thing. Get an old screwdriver or a long nail, hammer it all the way through the filter until it pops out of the other side....then turn...easy

Defo get a haynes manual or TMF CD, they're like the holy bible of the car world. You can save a fortune doing bits yourself its not as hard as it looks.

Good Luck!

[mattvallins]

Just dont expect the Haynes manual to tell you EVERYTHING.
Re-fitting is the reverse of removal is their favourite phrase............
Serious though, its really easy to work on a Mini. I have never worked on a car much before, but I have about completed a full re-build on a Mini, with a new engine that I replaced myself (after stripping it) and loads of bodywork and brake stuff. Just ask here if you aint sure, its the best way to learn :grin:
Then, spend the £100 you save on a service on new parts for the Mini :grin:

[Bluemini]

Just dont expect the Haynes manual to tell you EVERYTHING.
Re-fitting is the reverse of removal is their favourite phrase............

And they never put a picture in of the bit you actually need to see

[Pavel]

to be honest, haynes is useless for approximately 50% of tasks on the mini.

[mattvallins]

I still like the manual for the Pug 205. It stated "to remove the clutch cable, release it from the pedal end and pull through to the engine bay".
The clutch cable has a nipple on the pedal end, that doesnt come of...............
They had to re-call the manuals and re-print them!

[Jammy]

I think this says it all really!!

[smalbutsweet]

Getin dirty has never been a problem so guess i`ll had a good ole route about myself.... Guy`s ur Diamonds...x