7 replies to this topic

[unqualified]

Hi All,

I have a 1995 mini cooper and the water pump is leaking and needs to be replaced. I was wondering if someone out there could tell me how long of a job this would be? I am taking it to a local garage and I would like to have some information on the job going in..

Thanks!

[rally515]

Well first to reduce the mess they should drain the water/antifreeze,unbolt the pump,get the new one put it on fill the rad back up
jobs a gooden .simples

ohh and make sure they dont forget to put the gasket on which they shouldnt forget anway if there mechanicaly knowledged.
Any reason you cant do it yourself? would save a bit on labour charges.

Clifford

[maccers]

This is quite an easy job and a good time to change the coolant ready for winter and any manky old rubber hoses. It should be done in around about one hour all being well and no nasty surprises like studs getting stuck or stripped etc.

If you have a haynes manual you should try it yourself, and a few basic tools. It really is quite simple, dont be scared of doing stuff like this, its not rocket science and was originally assembled by a man/woman so eaily undone by the same.

Parts wise, probably they will quote for new pump and gasket obviously, antifreeze. As above they may also suggest to replace worn or perished rubber hoses, clips and maybe a new fan belt if old one is worn as it all needs to be removed anway to get at the pump.

It may just be the gasket thats gone?

[JonnyBMX]

not sure what its like on earlier minis, but on my SPI you have to take the rad out... which can be a pain to get the bottom hose back on but once you get the hang of it, its a really simple job, also make sure you get the fan back on the right way round ahah! shoudnt be more then an hours labour for this job espicially at a garage,

so in order,

• drain the system of water (cooling systsem)
• on my SPI you have to them undo the bolts on the cowling but there might be more room on your car,
• remove the bolt that holds the cowling to the subframe, then remove bottom and top hoses. (and all the other hoses that might be attached to the rad)
• carefully remove the radiator taking care not to damage any fins (may need to move the cowling more over towards the fan)
• take the cowling out
• now you are ready to start the water pump as such
• remove the 4 bolts that hold the fan on 1/2" i think:S (please take note in the way round that the fan is on and what spacers are between the fan and the belt pulley
• loosen the alternator in order to slacken the fan belt and if you are replacing this take it off, if not just slide leave it on the cam pully
• now carefully remove the bolts that retain the waterpump on be carfully as even though you drained the water out im sure some will still come out when you take this off.
• once it is off there will probably be bits of old gasket left on the engine block so make sure you get all this off (and dont get it in the water channels)
• now to fit the new pump, i use blue highlemar gasket sealant, so smear that over the gasket both sides and fit along with the water pump,

now just follow the steps in the other order

[Tamworthbay]

If possible make sure they get an original type gasket, some aftermarket ones are very cheap and slightly the wrong shape. This can lead them to,leak in no time and you are back to square one.

[JonnyBMX]

^^ should probably have said about this, the ones that often come with the pumps are naff, so i always get a genuine one from minispares

[unqualified]

Wow, thanks for all the helpful replies. Sounds like I should give it a shot.


I really appreciate all the information given.

[JonnyBMX]

maybe get a haynes manual too :) could save you lots of money