Oil and filter change (Amsoil 0W40 Euro and oem filter), and put in Powerflex large lower yellow engine mount bushing inserts yesterday. Slightly increased vibration only when letting out the clutch gingerly (at about 800-1200 rpm), don't even notice it if I let it out with a little throttle, otherwise no noticeable increased NVH, even with the ac compressor running. Brake fluid flush today including cycling the ABS pump with Pentosin DOT 4 LV fluid, and cleaned the wheels well while I was at it. Pedal was firm before, but even firmer now. Waiting on a lower center trim piece for the front aero bumper to replace the one that's not there - something must have happened to it with the previous owner. Would like to do a good wash, clay, and wax, but the weather looks bad for that for the next two weeks straight.
Sorry for the delay - was traveling. Regarding the GP Thanks! it’s a fun one. Drove it today then worked on getting enough space to get it back in the actual garage.
Couldn’t agree more - I’m a foodie also. But nothing is quite like the Waffle House. . Always amazes me when they are busy how good their system is for getting orders done.
I photograph a lot of cars that sit for months (or years) in garages and warehouses. I have seen a whole lot of rodent poop over the years. I once opened the hood on a Road Runner 440 Six-Pack, and there was a nest on the intake manifold. The worst thing is when they chew on wires in a car. A customer of mine had his Lamborghini Murcialago in the shop for weeks due to mice/rats living in the cavities of the undercarriage, and chewing up wires. CD
My previous post was a reply, but didn't show up as one. Hmmmmm. I am rescuing my MINI from the DFW Airport covered parking tonight. I need to treat it to a good bath tomorrow. I need to take psycho-poodle for a ride, too -- if he still remembers who I am. CD
@Sully I can help clean out that garage, say the word and I'll be there with a trailer Haven't done any mini stuff for weeks. Last weekend with my 1 day off I spent it riding the Indian. When I get home I will me getting the Helmet out of the garage so I can put the R53 in and put a new AC compressor on it and pull the CAT and see if it runs any better. It is in pitiful running shape! Once I get it in shape it looks like I will be finding it a new home and getting a pickup.
There must have been a dust storm at DFW airport while I was gone. My MINI, and all the cars around it, was covered with a layer of fine, tan dust/dirt when I picked it up at the airport last night. My fridge has several "science projects" going on. So, I need to get the car washed, and re-stock the fridge with food with no fur on it. CD
Having returned from the Bacon Invasion and MTTS, we have decided it is time to replace the family car. The wife, thinking the MINI folk are so much fun, would like a Countryman. Cash is tight, so I am considering a mildly optioned F60 Cooper. or a better optioned lease returned R60 Cooper S. It's going to an automatic transmission, and if I am going to buy a truck, it is going to be All4. Any advice? Keeping my R53 until death do us part.
We took our two poodle boys to West Carolina for a week, they are oh so happy to be back home today - enough with the car and constant motel changes!
Best advice,,,,,, don’t buy a new MINI because the market has much better built and more reliable cars for much less. I have an R53 I am also keeping and will NEVER buy another MINI. * unless it’s a classic mini.
Ok this has been one of those days! I went home between flights to put the R53 in the garage and get the helmet out. This requires moving two other cars. Once I started the Helmet it had a knocking sound coming from the front (passenger)side of the engine. The car has sat for a month so at first I was not worried but I could not get it to go away. I talked to Chad at DT and he said let it idle and maybe it would quiet down after the engine got warm. Perhaps sitting caused one of the oil passages to get blocked. This was the first step he said to try. He gave me some other things it may be if it did not go away after idling. I really appreciate Chads help. I know he is busy, it speaks volumes about him that he helped. I put the Helmet back up and took the poor R53 back to work. I cant believe it is still hanging on. I thought I would put this out and see if anyone here can help. The oil is fresh. I changed it ether before or right after the Dragon. Its changed every 3k. the sound is loudest at the passenger side on the front corner of the engine (by the front grill). I used a screwdriver to find the loud point. I plan on pulling off the valve cover to see what I can find. Any ideas?
Turn on radio and crank up some AC DC an take it out for a good drive to get it really warmed up. Back in Black would be a good song for the Helmet.