My wife's '09 justa had a coolant leak, and our mechanic estimated parts and labor at $410. The nearest Mini dealer wanted a couple hundred more than that, just in labor. I had read through some how-tos on NAM, and decided I could do this (I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade, so not completely mechanically inept). The job took me about five hours, and if I weren't so stubborn, it would have been more like four (I wrestled with one of those squeeze type hose clamps for nearly an hour, and it wasn't even one of the ones on the housing). I'm cut up, my back is sore and I will have to scrub for a while to get the grease out from under my nails, but, I'm happy that I was able to do the job. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk20161030/6133e6a369c6b98645490159aa9c6641.jpg[/IMG]
I was aware of that particular tool, but, I thought they were pretty pricey. They sure would have made the job quicker! All said and done, it wasn't all that bad; that doesn't mean I'm hoping to do it again anytime soon. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Congratulations !! It's always satisfying when you complete a repair and save some hard earned dollars.
Honestly, a tightly packed as things are with our cars, being able to get it into tight spaces and locking the clamp fully open, made it well worth the price.
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! You're all correct in that there is a feeling of accomplishment when the job is done and the car doesn't fall apart. Lol MCS02, I work on the venerable C-130, the H2.5 specifically. I am coming up on twenty years with the Ol' girl. I'm a full time technician with the Missouri Air National Guard. That has been my full time occupation for 19 yrs and 8 months. Most people end a career in the military at twenty years, I could stay another 16. We'll see what life brings, and then decide if I stay until I'm 60. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ok, I've had to add a little coolant today, to bring the level up to the "max" line in the reservoir. Is this normal, if I didn't get a good bleed, or do I have a leak somewhere? I can't see any evidence of any of the hoses or housing leaking, nor any big puddles or pools on top of the transmission like before. Just hoping I haven't missed something. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It's definitely rewarding getting something done yourself. Keep an eye on the coolant I'm sure you're fine though. After I changed my rad support the same thing happened to me. My r50 has been throwing the same code for months now though. I've convinced myself that the sweet smell adds character to the car. Does anyone have a link to the tool? The pictures aren't showing up for me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
the part in the photo is jegs w80656. Readily shows up on google. (I know nothing about it, just pulled the number for you. ) I'm now a bit puzzled by the comments about it being pricey.