First Service

[cthole]

Hi i'm going to be doing my first service ever on the weekend to a mates car. I know how to do everything just wanted to know if there's any tips and tricks to make things easy

[mike.perry]

Don't forget to refit the rotor arm. It works better in the dizzy than sat on top of the battery

[beero]

My tip would be drain the oil FIRST and leave it to drain while you do the rest of the service. That way more of the black gunge drains out.

[cthole]

Thanks for the tips

[bmcecosse]

If you know everything - can't understand why you are asking on here! Hope it goes well........... Make sure the plate and spring are present and correct inside the oil filter casing!

[cthole]

If you know everything - can't understand why you are asking on here!

Just because i know how to do what needs doing does not mean people on the forum cant give me advice tips tricks as i've not actually dont a service befor. jees makes me question if it's worth asking for advice again.

[bmcecosse]

It was tongue in cheek mate - don't take offence! Of course we are here to help..........
The tip i've given you is probably THE most important part of the whole 'service'!

[cthole]

It was tongue in cheek mate - don't take offence! Of course we are here to help..........

sorry i've just had a real bad day and took it the wrong way. No dout i will be running back to ask for help/advice

[bmcecosse]

Do you have a workshop manual - or some other guide book for the Minor ?

[cthole]

Do you have a workshop manual - or some other guide book for the Minor ?

yes i've downloaded the workshop manual. I've seen/helped MColes service his car many times as well as other things so i'm confident everything will go ok. If anything does go wrong or we get a little stuck i've got a mate that knows a hell of a lot more than me who has offerd to come down and help out. The first time is always the worse

[LouiseM]

Hi Chris - The tip I would give is to be careful of hitting your head on the bonnet when you're fiddling with things in the engine bay as it's very easy to do and can be very painful! Good luck

[cthole]

Hi Chris - The tip I would give is to be careful of hitting your head on the bonnet when you're fiddling with things in the engine bay as it's very easy to do and can be very painful! Good luck

Thats the one tip that i won't be forgetting

[bmcecosse]

You will..........

[cthole]

You will..........

suppose i'll only hit my head ones

[bmcecosse]

No - you will do it over and over. It is possible to undo the support - and carefully fold the bonnet back so it stands vertically - and secure it there. But do be careful - the hinges are quite easily broken........

[cthole]

It is possible to undo the support - and carefully fold the bonnet back so it stands vertically - and secure it there. But do be careful - the hinges are quite easily broken........

I remember Matt doing that with his series 2 when the engine was replaced. Will see how many times i hit my head and will keep you posted

[rcharman]

Don't touch the spark plug leads when the engine is running, I know what happens and it feels like being hit by a piece of hard wood.

[Kevin]

No - you will do it over and over.

I can't believe that Roy
Personally I haven't done it more than a few dozen ish times, last night being an example

[beero]

Make sure the plate and spring are present and correct inside the oil filter casing!

And don't chuck the plate away with the filter when it sticks to it (like I did!)

[ampwhu]

replace the paper filter with a spin on version. a whole lot easier.

run the engine for a few minutes so the old oil runs out better. let the plugs cool before burning your digits. remove the dizzy to change the points etc... and finally, grease everything!