8 replies to this topic

[Blondenie]

Model:Austin Mini LE
Year:1979
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible): I want to do an oil change on my Mini, is there anything special that I should look out for?
How much oil should I buy for it and what type (Currently has Castrol 15W 20 that the shop that the ex owner had got it survaced in the past).
Whats the easyist(sp) way to change the oil filter as well?



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Edited by Blondenie, 09 May 2009 - 02:04 AM.

[vally46]

Model:Austin Mini LE
Year:1979
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible): I want to do an oil change on my Mini, is there anything special that I should look out for?
How much oil should I buy for it and what type (Currently has Castrol 15W 20 that the shop that the ex owner had got it serviced in the past).
Whats the easiest(sp) way to change the oil filter as well?



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Go buy a Haynes manual,changing your oil is as easy as brushing your teeth,if you want to carry out basic maintenance,why not enroll on night school,my local college use to run a six week or so coarse,change plugs,oil,wheels etc

You would also be shown where to jack the car up,if you don't know on a mini it could be bye bye floors or your head.

[Grayedout]

I'm not sure 15W/20 is a grade and if it is then it is certainly one you don't want to use in a Mini !

You need 5 litres of 20W/50 for an oil change.

[vally46]

I'm not sure 15W/20 is a grade and if it is then it is certainly one you don't want to use in a Mini !

You need 5 litres of 20W/50 for an oil change.

The saying goes "a little knowledge is a very dangerous thing".seriously get some help or training,it may cost you your engine if you get it wrong.

Dont forget to buy a small funnel to fill the oil down where you check it
IGNORE THE ABOVE IT WAS A JOKE

[Jordie]

Oil Change.

Required
- Oil - approx 5 Litres. Fully Mineral Oil.
- Oil Filter
- Sump Plug Washer

Procedure

Run the engine until warm/operating temperature, to allow the oil to thin. This will make draining easier and quicker.
Place the vehicle on a nice flat surface or vehicle ramp.
At the front left hand side (if you stand looking at the front of the engine) at the bottom of the gearbox facing the Drivers wheel, you will see a bolt head. That is the sump plug.
Place a suitable container which will hold 5 litres, under the sump plug area.
Remove the plug using the appropriate tools. Slowly remove the last few turns of the plug by hand and as you remove the plug from the engine, you will be able to control the flow so you can adjust the position of the container to catch the oil.
Leave to drain.
While draining, clean the sump plug end and threads of any debris from the engine, so its clean ready to refit.
Remove the old oil filter using a oil filter wrench tool if required and empty oil into container and discard oil filter.
Fill new oil filter with fresh clean oil, smear some oil around the rubber seal of the filter and refit.
Check the oil as fully drained, and refit sump plug and new washer. Check Haynes manual for the torque. Do NOT over tighten!
Refill engine with oil by removing the oil filler cap from the rocker cover at the top of the engine.
Add some oil, check on dipstick and repeat until oil level is satisfactory.

[wile e coyote]

as Jordie says... but tightwad trick - don't go & buy a sump tray from halfords etc - they'll charge you a fiver or more - go to your local supermarket & get a cat litter tray - 2 quid and exactly the same thing )

[Blondenie]

Oil Change.

Required
- Oil - approx 5 Litres. Fully Mineral Oil.
- Oil Filter
- Sump Plug Washer

Procedure

Run the engine until warm/operating temperature, to allow the oil to thin. This will make draining easier and quicker.
Place the vehicle on a nice flat surface or vehicle ramp.
At the front left hand side (if you stand looking at the front of the engine) at the bottom of the gearbox facing the Drivers wheel, you will see a bolt head. That is the sump plug.
Place a suitable container which will hold 5 litres, under the sump plug area.
Remove the plug using the appropriate tools. Slowly remove the last few turns of the plug by hand and as you remove the plug from the engine, you will be able to control the flow so you can adjust the position of the container to catch the oil.
Leave to drain.
While draining, clean the sump plug end and threads of any debris from the engine, so its clean ready to refit.
Remove the old oil filter using a oil filter wrench tool if required and empty oil into container and discard oil filter.
Fill new oil filter with fresh clean oil, smear some oil around the rubber seal of the filter and refit.
Check the oil as fully drained, and refit sump plug and new washer. Check Haynes manual for the torque. Do NOT over tighten!
Refill engine with oil by removing the oil filler cap from the rocker cover at the top of the engine.
Add some oil, check on dipstick and repeat until oil level is satisfactory.

Thank you for that. Much appreciated.

I have done an Automotive Trades Course as I want to get an Apprenticeship in the Automotive trade (Preferably Electrical side, as well as diagnostics) This is my first Mini and my Second car (First car was a shoddy 89 Fiat UNO xD). All my friends have Owned/Raced Minis in the past and present They are very adjile and quick, They will even run of a sniff of an oily rag! Also got it to save on my fuel bill and as a good investment (The LE version is getting hard to find here in New Zealand as collecters are snapping them up like hot cakes)

[Ouster]

15W20 will be far too thin to use in a mini - compared to 20W50 the kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C will be almost half.

[taffy1967]

This book taught me everything (I also have a Haynes Mini manual too of course...a few in fact): -



You can usually get it off e-Bay or from here: -

http://www.amazon.co...2065884-7642319