Maybe while you're at it, order up a longer hose so you won't have this problem with the next oil change. I have an 09 and this wasn't an issue for me.......
I did change the oil today. I'm happy to report I followed your turkey baster method. This allowed me to wrangle the coolant expansion tank just enough to get to the filter without having any of the coolant leak out from the hoses. Pretty much went just as you described and I did use a small bungee to aid in the process too.
It's definitely not the easiest car I've ever tried to change the oil in, in fact, it's pretty much a pain but happily I was able to get it with no problems and I think next time it should be much easier!
Thanks to all for your help on this. Gotta love these forums!
When I did my first oil change on my
2012 after break in I went through the same thing.
Actually, my 2007 R56 did the same too. So I just use a towel to wrap the area that leaks, untighten the oil filter, removed it by hand then place the expansion tank back while it drains. You'll lose very little coolant but it's the only way I could tell you/how I handle it.
I don't see the point in replacing the house as the only time you have a problem with it is when your changing the oil for that few minutes it's pulled away.
Thanks for the quick reply! ...Wrapping a towel might be an idea I'll try but a big part of the real issue is the hose is so short I can't really even move it out of the area it's in. It's MUCH shorter than what I've seen shown in these write ups. I guess I'm just concerned that if I "stretch" it any amount it's so tight I'm afraid I might crack something off with the connection.
No problem at all. My hose is quite tight too. You just pull it out of the way enough that you can get the extensions for your ratchet in there to untighten the oil filter housing. Once it's almost untightened use your one hand to hold the expansion tank out of the way, and your other to finish unscrewing the oil filter housing and remove it. I usually let the filter drain out for a few minutes before removing it from the engine bay. Makes it much easier and less messy. Once it's removed just place the expansion tank back in place.
Use the same set up to reinstall the housing.
If you just follow the method of continually putting the expansion tank back and not having it all twisted up and out of place you should be fine. I haven't had any issues so far and I'm on my second MINI using this method.
On my 2009, I lift it up slightly to disengage from the clip and then move it left and upwards. Seems to work fine and I don't get any leakage....you only need enough room to get to the end of the filter housing. I use a socket and long extension to loosen the filter....
You wouldn't get leakage -- this only applies to the LCI R56 N18. For some reason, the hose is shorter and the fitting is prone to leak with lateral stress. There are many reports of this experience over on the sewing site.
Just do what I do. Use a large syringe or turkey baster to empty the coolant tank prior to unbolting it and moving it out of the way. Pull the tank up and to the left, and hold it out of the way with a small bungee cord. Problem solved. You'll have the access to the filter housing that you need (but not much more).
Gil-galad,
I'm not sure what your talking about with the "you wouldn't get any leakage" comment
I can only tell you what I'm experiencing on my car. I can tell you that on my particular car ( and maybe it's a 2012 model year thing? I'm not sure...)
But you cannot simply just move it up and out of the way... There is no moving it up or out of the way happening. It has no room or length to move anywhere but about 2" anywhere. The leakage happens if you try to move it even slightly. Thanks for the reply though I'll repost later this week after I give this some more thought and try again. The turkey baster idea seems to be a good one. Can you simply just replace that fluid when done. I'm guessing as long as you keep it clean you should be ok doing this.
Thanks
schin
Mine leaked when I moved the coolant tank out of the way, a good hose clamp, instead of a spring clip clamp, solved that problem. My tank doesn't move far, but it moves far enough to get to the oil filter. The hose does kink, when it is move far enough, but it comes right back when the tank in back in place.
