Time for the annual occurrence of this checklist. It's a PDF, download and print if you like. Oil – Close to 5K mark on current Oil? Go for an early change. Under Bonnet Check –Look for leaks, broken/worn engine mounts, worn plug wires Gearbox Oil – If near 2 years or 50K miles - Change Brakes – Check Rotors and Pads – Have at least 50% left Brake Fluid – If near 1 year or 25K miles – Change Coolant – MINI recommends every 4 years from build date for a change, every 2 years would not hurt. Tires – Tread level should be at least ½, check for uneven wear Wheels – Check Torque on lugs 83ft/lb 1st gen, 102ft/lb 2nd gen – Check often on site. See Chad at Detroit Tuned tent to use his torque wrench. Wipers – Replace blades if older – It could be quite wet at MOTD Lights – Check all lights to verify operation Battery – good condition, make sure is securely fastened Suspension – Check all bushings for wear, replace as needed Steering – Check for wear – replace anything questionable Exhaust – Secure with no leaks, check mounts Wheel Bearings – Check for excessive play Running The Dragon even at the posted limit taxes all the systems on our MINIs. 311 Turns in rapid succession will find the weaknesses if not attended to ahead of time. Please be sure to check you braking system well. Check list compiled with the assistance of Chad from Detroit Tuned.
Are there any accompanying videos/tutorials for the uninitiated to assist in knowing what to look for?
Like anything. As simple as identifying worn wipers and replacing them to the more technical things. A lot of folks on here have no qualms about poking around an engine bay (or pulling an engine), but everyday is somebody's first day trying to tackle something. Just trying to make it easier on those inclined to get their hands dirty or learn something new.
Oh ok you are talking about prepping your car for the Dragon. (gotcha) I was going to say the Dragon is like Vegas, what happens at the Dragon stays at the Dragon. * unless you crash then it on YouTube FOREVER. :ihih::lol:
You know I will bring 2 full dinners with a total of (4) Lasagna's. They will be in my front seat buddy. (Italian and Mexican) They will be made closer to the Dragon so they will be Fresh.
The story starts with driving home from work. I washed my car on the way home, pulled into the driveway, wiped down a couple more spots and spared Elson the sloppy road conditions for the weekend. Monday I prepared to venture to work with Elson and he would not start. He tried to turn over and just could not fully start. No odd sounds. Monday evening I worked with Mini roadside assistance to get the car to the dealer. Things did not work out in a timely fashion and the pickup was made on Wednesday. I figured since it was at the dealer I would have them perform Nathan's posted checklist. Thursday the dealer was able to look at the car. I was told by the rep that the reason the car would not start start was that it was flooded. I was told the battery had run low due to multiple door opening/closings on the previous Friday. The battery had run low and attempted starts had flooded the engine with fuel and would not egnite. The oil would now have to be changed to correct the issue. I am no car buff, but I feel the explanation is off base. Any direction would be helpful.
:cornut: It does have that ring of BS/mumbo jumbo to it. I'm going to let some other MINIacs read this and see what they think. Jason
I don't know about anybody else, but here's a link to photo of work I'm doing to prep my Mini for this year's MOTD: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5tsgs4xfs3sswfp/IMG_0337.JPG This image was before I got into removing the head and header/exhaust...Hope she'll be ready in time! Best Regards, Cliff
Reached a milestone this afternoon...finally got the last parts "pulled apart" and now starting the process of replacement and bolting everything back together. This evening's job was installing the Vibratecnics gearbox mount and torque link...tomorrow comes the gasket on the oil filter housing along with related parts in that portion of the engine bay....getting ready for bolt on of the JCW head I'll be installing over the weekend....I must admit it is MUCH more fun installing new parts than it was disassembling and cleaning old stuff!
List of parts ordered and inbound for install in the next week or so... 1) H-Sport Adjustable Rear Lower control arms 2) Power Grid Adjustable End Links (front and rear) 3) Revalved BC coilovers (with Swift Spring upgrade) 4) Bridgestone Potenza S04 Pole Positions (giving them a try this year, wasn't impressed with the Michelin Pilot Super Sports) 5) Voltage Pedal set Need to order and install: 6) Rotors and Pads (front and rear) and need to decide if I want to tackle vinyl wrapping my headlight rings myself... or drop them off at the local "dude" and let him do it, to replace my heinously chipped-up paint job from this past fall.