17 replies to this topic

[jamiewandsmurray]

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Model: Mini Desginer
Year: 1988
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

right, i know that im probably going to get butchered for asking this, (bear in mind 3 months ago i didn't know where spark plugs where or anything about an engine) but where the hell is the oil dipstick? bough some motor oil yesterday to top it up but i cant seem to find the thing you put it in. i know what it looks like, i just cant find it, and i spent a good 15 minutes looking everywhere accesible in the engine bay. all i could seem to find in the haynes manual is where the oil filter is but that's not what im looking for (i dont think?) sorry to be such an amateur, but we all have to start somewhere and you only learn by asking!

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

just a stage one kit as far as i know

oh and here's a picture of the engine bay in question;

Edited by jamiewandsmurray, 30 January 2011 - 04:57 PM.

[Austin]

The top of the dipstick is right next to the number 3 spark plug on your picture, behind the lead with the yellow tape on. I wouldnt try to top the oil up through the dipstick hole though, it'll take ages and make a right mess. Best to put the oil in through the rocker cover cap, the black plastic cap on top of the engine, and just use the dipstick to check the oil level.

[jay whiting]

LOL for starters you dont put the oil in via the dipstick. The dipstick is for checking the level. If you look at your engine one of the plug leads has some yello tape on it (no 3). The dipstick is the metal rod with a loop at the top just behind it. As for where you put the oil well again, looking at your engine above the 4 sparkplugs is the big black metal cover, it has a plastic cap in the centre of it, this is where you put the oil.

Dont be shy to ask questions, everyone asks something at some point, and as you pointed out (we all started somewhere).

RED arrow shows dipstick, yellow shows where to put oil.

Edited by jay whiting, 30 January 2011 - 05:20 PM.

[Carlos W]

I think you also need to know how to read the dip stick before you put oil in, as too much oil is as bad as too little!

It should show you in the haynes manual in the weekly checks section ??

[wmc1]

Not that easy to see, so i apologize. But the red arrow is pointing to your dipstick and the yellow arrow to your oil filler cap.

Dipstick ti check oil level, oil filler cap remove for adding oil.

[jamiewandsmurray]

ahhhh the dipstick looked very different to what i thought it would, (i thought it was an silver oval with oil written on it) and where i thought i was! thanks for all your help, and the cap on the rocker cover i had looked in but thought it looked like the last thing you'd do it pour oil in it! show's how much of a newb i am i guess! but yes, the mini's all topped up now, thanks for the help guys! no doubt i'll need it again soon..

[jamiewandsmurray]

I think you also need to know how to read the dip stick before you put oil in, as too much oil is as bad as too little!

It should show you in the haynes manual in the weekly checks section ??

sorry you were right, i overlooked the obvious and went straight to the index in the manual and was reading about all kinds of oil filter related things! thanks for the help

[retroracer1275]

is this a serious thread?

[Carlos W]

It's better to ask if you're not sure mate, don't worry about sounding stupid, if no-one tells you how are you ever meant to know?

That's what the forum is for!

[bmcecosse]

Yes - but so is the Haynes Manual - a quiet evening spent reading and digesting will prevent basic mistakes...... Sounds like this Mini has been run for 3 months without the oil level ever being checked..........

[Ethel]

I did know someone who topped up their Metro's water through the oil filler, so it's a lot less embarrassing (and expensive) to ask.

[Rabtmac]

When I first started my apprenticeship back in 82 with BL the first thing I was shown was where to put oil and water (then given a brush and told to sweep up everywhere lol)
If you don't know where they go best to ask, as said above if you get it wrong it can be expensive and embarrassing.
Keep asking the questions mate we all started out not knowing at first.

[E.L.M.O]

Its a good question for a newbie, beats whats the switch on the far left with a picture of a foot brake on it! (as much as it is a valid question, it does come up rather often )

Maybe someone with some good knowhow show put together a TMF guide to the top ten things you should know about your classic mini
(just plucked the number 10 out the air, could be any number, but best to keep it shortish as a basic guide.)
What the brake light/ test switch does
Where to put oil
where to put water
how to make sure your car is unleaded?
tyre pressures for the most common wheels
etc...?

[Dan]

Yes, if only we had a section like an FAQ...

[Rabtmac]

Its a good question for a newbie, beats whats the switch on the far left with a picture of a foot brake on it! (as much as it is a valid question, it does come up rather often )

Maybe someone with some good knowhow show put together a TMF guide to the top ten things you should know about your classic mini
(just plucked the number 10 out the air, could be any number, but best to keep it shortish as a basic guide.)
What the brake light/ test switch does
Where to put oil
where to put water
how to make sure your car is unleaded?
tyre pressures for the most common wheels
etc...?

Good idea I volunteer you