14 replies to this topic

[Blumeanie]

I am happy to report that the mini is running fine (Knock on wood). I got it started after pre-lubing the cylinders and replacing the battery before start-up.

The immobilizer had me nervous... Someone had said they go bonkers if the sit without power for long. I had no issues. I just did the reset and it fired right-up.

I Changed the oil and filter. The filter and oil had maybe some 20 kms on them - but from a few years ago... so new high-zinc 20w-50 went in!

The oil looked new and golden in color.

The 20W-50 is so much heavier than the 0w20 used these days... That stuff is like water. 

 

I flushed the radiator replaced the coolant adding distilled water to the concentrate. The old coolant was clear and clean. It was heavy on the coolant (light on the water) as I knew it was going to be sitting for a while.

 

Of course, I've given it a thorough cleaning inside and out.

On my to-do list the following items remain:

- Clean the K&N filter
- Apply grease to the grease points (I believe there are 8 grease fittings. - Please remind me... - is this correct?)
- Clean the engine bay and check all connectors for brittleness, etc.

- Replace the Brake fluid.

- Give it a good wax.

- Clean the fog/driving lights' glass (The glass is a bit foggy)
- Replace rear brake light bulb (I see one is out...)
- Replace tires (Still on the hunt for 175 50 13s)


Did I miss anything?

Please mention any additional tasks I should perform as I get the mini limbered-up for some amazing drives!

Edited by Blumeanie, 15 November 2024 - 06:21 PM.

[MatthewsDad]

Old fuel drained? Fuel hoses. Vacuum hoses.

[mab01uk]

If your location is the USA....has Ethanol been added to your states gasoline/petrol?

If so check that all your flexible/rubber fuel hoses are the latest Ethanol resistant type as many classic Minis have had fuel leaks since the % in petrol was increased in the UK.

 

(Fuel tends not to go off/stale in MPi Minis while in storage because injection cars have a sealed fuel system unlike older SU carb Minis).

Edited by mab01uk, 15 November 2024 - 07:39 PM.

[Steam]

Just enjoy driving it and deal with any issues as they arise.

[Blumeanie]

Thanks all for the responses!

About a year ago I siphoned all the fuel out and ran a handful of liters though the engine. It went into storage again after that. To start it again this time; I ran the car a couple of kms (almost running dry) - then added almost a tankful of new fuel. I have run it enough that there should be little trace of any old fuel.

 

Good suggestion in the ethanol... I do not think I have issues here, but I will have a look at all my fuel lines...

[slidehammer]

I agree with the above. After a full service, which what you are doing anyway drive it.

Using the car regularly is the thing you can do for it.

[Blumeanie]

I went to clean my fog and driving lights. The lenses were a bit ''fogged-up' likely with some residue from the hot bulb interacting with the air (??).

 

These reflectors are sealed with the lens, providing only the bulb slot as an access point. Bummer... I went into the kitchen looking to use a bottle cleaner brush. Access is not great for this solution.

I ended-up adding a cupful (or so) of rice into each of the glass light reflectors and, in turn, I pretended each of them were maracas for 2-3 minutes. I used fresh rice each time since the rice starts dissolving if left in the warm water for too long...

This seemed to do the trick for the cleaning portion of the task. 

Now I had moisture inside the glass. This had to be eliminated. I left them out for a couple of days which only left a few drops worth of moisture inside. 

I thought of baking these for a bit to evaporate the remaining moisture... but I noticed a bead of rubber sealant holding the reflector and the front glass together.  - This could go badly. 

I warmed-up the oven and turned it OFF before I put the lights in there to capture some of that remaining heat and extract the moisture.

This worked great. I have clear lenses now!

[Blumeanie]

I had left this off my list above - BUT I've ordered a new fan belt... The one on there now looks very good actually - but it is 25 years old...

I imagine it is good time to replace it regardless of appearance... 

[Blumeanie]

New tires are on!

I got a set of Yokohama A539s. There are not many options available, But I am very happy with how these look. I am eager to give them a run

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Edited by Blumeanie, 08 December 2024 - 04:25 PM.

[Blumeanie]

I have the car up on stands at the moment.
Having a peek at the underside.

I found, I lost a fastener... I pulled on one of the front tie down eye bolts and it came off in my hand. It seemed that only the rubber friction was holding it in place.
No idea when this came off.


I have replacement bolt and washers which I'll install today.

Edited by Blumeanie, 08 December 2024 - 03:44 PM.

[Blumeanie]

Two other things have caught my eye...

The brake lines, and the spark plug leads.

As everything else, these are the original set.

The leads look fine - and seem to be working fine.

The brake lines have a little corrosion on the fittings. The rubber bit looks to be in good condition.

Any thoughts on whether these should be replaced?

Also, my sparkplugs are some 8 years old - but clean and they have maybe a few hundred miles on them... These should be fine, I think...

Edited by Blumeanie, 08 December 2024 - 04:13 PM.

[Blumeanie]

I gave my k&n air filter a good cleaning too.

When I installed it way back in the day, I had no place to store the factory airbox that was removed.

Now I feel I should have it - for originality sake...

Please let me know if one comes available in your neighborhood!

Edited by Blumeanie, 08 December 2024 - 04:21 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

For the small price of a set of leads, I would recommend fitting new ones. I think of them as a consumable and replace mine when I replace the spark plugs, at the recommended service intervals.
Brake lines: I tend to leave unless they show signs of wear.

[Quinlan minor]

Duplicate.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 08 December 2024 - 04:57 PM.

[bpirie1000]

For the small price of a set of leads, I would recommend fitting new ones. I think of them as a consumable and replace mine when I replace the spark plugs, at the recommended service intervals.
Brake lines: I tend to leave unless they show signs of wear.

I would agree. Also sling them in the boot for a wee while. Always good to have spares... for you..... or someone else....