The Detroit Tuned - M/A writeup is fine as far as it goes, but it does leave quite a few important tips out, such as how to unplug the 02 sensor wires and the locations of the bolts, especially on the lower shield. But I guess including all those steps with pictures would make for a pretty big file to print out....
I also suppose that if you're competent enough to do the job in the first place you can figure all this other stuff out too.
I'm frequently surprised at the complexity of projects MINI owners are willing to take on with just a minimal toolbox and a How-To writeup but very little understanding of cars and mechanical things in general, but I give them full marks for their enthusiasm and efforts!
Curious that you decided not to shield the new fitting. Seems like it would have been good insurance against coking in the new line. I know MINI's clip is overpriced, but one could probably fab their own for pocket change.
Oh, and I have an overwhelming urge to give some serious detailing to that engine compartment... :drool
I believe the heat shield is MINI's attempt to delay failure on the OEM line. The OEM line uses a rubber o-ring in the connection to the turbo, that o-ring is what causes the line to fail and leak oil. DT's oil feed line does not use a rubber o-ring thus it doesn't really need shielding.
One interesting note is that Subaru had a similar problem on their wrx's where their o-ring on the turbo oil feed line failed. They actually made a recall and fixed it, I wish MINI would do the same!
I think hubdub is right, the new line should not need it, and the old one was already leaking, so no help for it.
However, I think the little heat shield is a good idea for those lines that haven't started leaking yet - this car had already escaped the warranty period, and she was on a tight budget too.
I'm going to see if I can get MINI to replace mine right before it goes out of warranty! :biggrin5:
