4 replies to this topic

[Island Mini]

Hi

This is my first post on this forum because after finding a brilliant solution on here I figured that if anyone's going to be able to answer my questions it's one of you mini genius'.

Okay to start off I just bought my 89 Rover Mini 1275 3 days ago so I'm a bit of a newbie to the whole thing but could you tell me, there doesn't appear to be any automatic transmission fluid (The mini is automatic.) From what I've read the transmission runs off the engine oil correct? My next question is my Mini's transmission keeps slipping and needs to be replaced but in the mean time I've read about this transmission fix fluid which is supposed to go in the automatic tranny fluid however there doesn't appear to be any, this may be a stupid question but is it safe to add this to the engine oil?

Thanks guys!

[Nicks217]

I would say, that it would be best to go seek a pro to maby fix your auto box,
if its slipping then maby its time for new clutches?
I would pm either guess works or mra on here.
Good luck.

http://www.theminifo...hp?showuser=481
http://www.theminifo...p?showuser=2285

Edited by Nicks217, 21 September 2011 - 06:44 AM.

[ShoutforJoy]

Hi and welcome to TMF.

You are correct in that the transmission shares the engine oil, there is no ATF. The consensus is that stop slip products do not work and may do more harm than good so don't add them to your engine oil. There's lots of discussion and advice around this area on The Automatic Mini Register.

Changing the engine oil may help a bit with the slipping but it's most likely that you need the unit rebuilt or replaced. I see your in the Cayman Islands so recommending a UK expert isn't going to be much help but you could PM MRA Minis for some advice - they're auto mini experts and usually more than happy to help. They will also ship spares around the world and have just about everything you could need.

hth, Paul

Edited by ShoutforJoy, 21 September 2011 - 07:40 AM.

[MRA]

there doesn't appear to be any automatic transmission fluid (The mini is automatic.) From what I've read the transmission runs off the engine oil correct?

My next question is my Mini's transmission keeps slipping and needs to be replaced but in the mean time I've read about this transmission fix fluid which is supposed to go in the automatic tranny fluid however there doesn't appear to be any, this may be a stupid question but is it safe to add this to the engine oil?

1) Yes that is correct, the oil for the transmission is shared with the engine.
2) Slipping is a sign that it's too late, the clutch plates and or bands are too far gone to restore using any friction enhancers, that said friction enhancers is something that you not want in your Classic Mini engine oil

The 2 main causes of automatic failure.....

1) Lack of oil changes, "we only do 20 miles a year so we didn't bother changing the oil" this keeps in the condensation that strips the clutch plates of their friction material ..... which is a special paper based material
2) Lack of oil changes, "its only a mini, so I never bothered" black sludgy oil with petrol and hydrocarbon deposits attacks the seals that keep your transmission working, making the rubber go very hard and brittle, reducing their sealing capacity and thus allowing the clutch packs to slip

There is of course simple wear and tear or abuse, although most of the parts within an automatic are a lot stronger than the manual equivalent, there are a couple of parts that can fail from time to time, normally giving rise to sudden failure as opposed to failure over a period of time.

In short, if its slipping get it fixed or more damage will occur and it then gets more costly.

[Island Mini]

Thanks so much guys. I knew I'd get a real answer here and not just someone telling me I'm an idiot. I won't bother with a transmission fix fluid I'll give it a good service and get her running, post back and tell you whats going on. Also i was taking a look at stuff called seafoam to clean out my very worn engine, anybody had any experience with that?

Thanks again guys!