Classic Mini 101 - Oil Change

[@klystron23]

Great Video ... It never occurred to me that starting a mini in gear with the clutch pedal depressed can wear the thrust bearings in the motor. great tip.

[@matthewclarkson4883]

Hey from the UK. Just finished restoring my girlfriends mini with her and had the issue of changing the filter after breaking the engine in. Not wanting to take the front grille back off I bought an awesome tool that gets the filter off on the mini with out taking out the grille. It goes on the end of a 3/8 socket wrench and has three arms on gears that as the wrench is turned grip onto the filter. If the filter is on tight as more force is applied the tighter it grips so I can’t ever see it not working, even if it’s really stuck. On a 3/8 extension bar it’s perfect for the mini and clears the front subframe no issue with no need to jack up the car if you don’t want to. Then the new filter can of course be put back on from underneath hand tight as always. I got ours from the UK store halfords but I’m sure an equivalent version will be available at any automotive store. Could be a cool addition to your online shop perhaps? Matt

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Great idea. Cheers 🍻

[@timmononen8492]

There's something so therapeutic about changing oil. Dipping the finger into oil and lubing the filter gasket, one of my favorite parts of an oil change haha.

[@youtubespectator669]

I wish I can say the same about an oil change on a Nissan Skyline GTR. It's just frustration all around

[@nickshootsminis]

Thanks for this great video chaps. Just a word of note for automatic Mini owners (which I've discovered as a relatively new owner doing loads of research) - you'll want to use 10W40 MA2 JASO oil as the gearboxes on these prefer the different viscosity. The oil filter is also completely different to the spin-on type that you've got on these manual cars, and is held on with a bolt and some washers (part no MSF104 for the filter). Happy motoring!

[@wheillebherttjanmontalbeu]

It's May 2024, and I'm about to buy a classic mini. Seeing this cleared up my questions. Thanks.

[@ryanodell5072]

Great video. I used to work as a lube tech, but never got to do an oil change on a mini. And, as with the rest of your videos. I pick up a few little tidbits along the way. My only thing to add, is that you need to make sure that there is not a gasket stuck to the oil filter mounting surface. Even if one came off with the oil filter make sure nobody else has done an oil change and not checked to make sure it came off. Double gasketing and oil filter can cause it to blow out when your oil pressure is high. I'm sure you know that as a mechanic, but some of the people watching your video may not realize that can happen.

[@aristotleyee7301]

Thank you! Your 101 guided me through the oil change process. Love your other videos as well.

[@pete5534]

Classic Minis are great little cars. I’d love to own one of these wee gems one day. Thanks for posting.

[@gavinivers8941]

Good Video! A thought passed on by my late father, who was an engine re conditioner, and built race engines, is to fill the oil filter before screwing back on. This puts a little more oil in the engine, and helps all the moving parts on that first start. The filter will soak up the oil on the first fill, so a quick half fill and the screw it on. It shouldn't spill. You will notice the oil pressure light goes out quicker on the first start.

[@DT200LC]

correct hint mate, i’m doing this also every time on oil/filter change

[@martinfidel7086]

@@DT200LC would you also do this on an automatic ?

[@Dr1vrAI]

Regarding the magnet it also makes sense to stick these strong magnets on/around the oil filter. There you can put a lot more magnets. This way the small pieces stay in the filter.

[@shriramvenu]

wow this is a great idea! I'm gonna order some neodymium magnets for this!

[@abuhamza1970]

Another great video, thanks for the upload. Another alternative to the magnetic sump plug is to place a few (3-5) strong magnets on the oil filter a week before changing the oil as all of the oil has to pass through the filter sooner or later. This will trap all the swarf from the oil in the filter which you can then throw away remembering to rescue the magnets first.

[@aguiloco23]

I always fill the oil filter before fitting, I think is not mandatory but recommended. Nice video

[@nigelpowton9509]

So do I

[@pantone6160]

I like the way you instal the front grill, can you make a video about that, I'm totally in it

[@proccy13]

has this video happened as I'm really interested too! Thanks

[@arthurblaquiere1906]

I had two quick spin-off fittings for my 1965 Australian Mini Cooper S. Very handy. Also the Cooper S has an oil cooler mounted just behind the grille, in the centre.

[@pantone6160]

@@arthurblaquiere1906 the chrome one that sit on the grill ?

[@LostMapEngineering]

ON_OFF mine aren’t chrome, just oxidize aluminum color. They have thick (.125”) rubber washers that sit between them and the grill. Can’t be more than 10 seconds to remove the grill and I like how mine look.

[@franktaylor7617]

I know this is a very old video but I just got my mini this last Friday (1/7/22) so I'm learning as much as possible. The first thing I've ordered is your drain plug. Living in the states and having no connections yet. Maintenance and oil changes are absolutely critical! Although my mini probably won't see but maybe a couple thousand miles a year. It'll probably get charged two or three times a year. Along with searching for "what's that rattling?" 😆 😎👍

[@WildBilly91]

Well, I was just about to wonder how I should proceed to do my first oil change on the Mini and here you are! Thanks!

[@mylifesaga]

Do a video on how and were you source your parts. How to deal with the shipping, import tax, etc. Do from the Canadian perspective. Please

[@Stevestonmotorco]

mylifesaga most all of our parts we just buy online from minispares.com

[@daverolls8565]

great series of videos, reminds of the continual maintenance I had to do when rallying minis in the 70s and 80s.When I used to do an oil change, I used to pre-fill the filter before fitting and then remove the spark plug leads to build up oil pressure first.Thanks for the videos

[@martinfidel7086]

The correct method is to remove the spark plugs to lessen the load on the bearings

[@LiamDrives]

I don't even own a classic mini but I still enjoyed watching this!

[@mollyvision]

I own a '76 Mini and for the past 20'ish years I've used Castrol grand-prix 20w50 4-stroke motorcycle oil because 4-stroke motorcycles share Engine and transmission oil in the same way the A-series engines in Minis do. I also installed racing knock-off pins so the grille is removed by undoing two threaded bits. 10/10 would recommend.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

mollyvision that’s awesome, I actually just picked up a case of that oil for the exact same reason. Glad to hear you have had good experience with it. Not quite as much zinc as the vr1 but still more than most conventional oils and it’s always an option to add a zinc additive

[@Dr1vrAI]

Endless oil discussions 😁 I use 20W50 Miller‘s Mini-Oil. Easy to get in nice metal containers.

[@martinfidel7086]

@@Stevestonmotorco don't add ZINC to JASO MA, 1, 2 oils as they have much better additives to cope with the issues and myths of the A series, also 10W40 fully synthetic would also give benefits over the gunk that the motor trade try to pass off as premium oils.

[@DeanWilhite]

I love your videos. And I need a couple of drain plugs. We do things a little different during the oil change. We add a product call CamShield for a greater amount of zinc. We also fill the filter as full as we can before installing it. This makes sure you don’t have a lag of pressure before pressure is reached.

[@martinfidel7086]

too much zinc will destroy your engine

[@RichardRizk-v3i]

Great video! Thanks. Do you have a video on how to change the original oil filter?

[@glenngarrett]

With the oil filter off you can disconnect a coil wire and crank the engine for a few seconds to get the last dregs of the old oil out through the oil filter bracket. Catch it if you can!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Well done mate great job from Australia. But some time ,s the oil filter rubber comes off & staying on the engine . Check it . Love 💓 you’re sump plug. Can I buy it in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 .

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Cheers. We sure do ship to Australia

[@avivscrewvalla]

So great to see DIY maintenance videos produced in such a simple, high quality format. Hopefully, you can film additional videos like this for beginner garages mechanics. FYI, your drain plug link is broken.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

We'll be putting out more in the future. And thanks for that, we didn't notice! Fixed

[@avivscrewvalla]

@@Stevestonmotorco Much appreciated. A simple linking of the best available product/ part(s) on the market and why its great for the job at hand would really help Classic Mini owners! As an example, I know that the MED clutch + flywheel balanced, pre-assembled kit is the best available option for an injection Mini anywhere (similar to your description of the KAD short shifter). So endorsing that particular part when replacing the clutch (not a beginner DIY job, I know), would really prove valuable to those who may not know enough about the part or how to do the job. Cheers guys! You have a much larger following in the UK than you may realize!

[@martinfidel7086]

@@avivscrewvalla MED best ? but that is just your opinion !

[@jflongas]

Hey Phil, could you please show us one day how to fix the most common issues with leaking oil from a classic mini?

[@martinfidel7086]

manual or auto ?

[@jflongas]

Hi @@martinfidel7086 the inquiry was for an auto (classic mini) but I just sold it a few months ago.

[@martinfidel7086]

@@jflongas Ok, that's a pity as Automatic Mini is my specialist area

[@jflongas]

Hi@@martinfidel7086, thanks I will keep that in mind for a future car

[@thishand]

Hi @@martinfidel7086 I’m currently using a auto EFI Classic Mini. Would like to have a chat with you. How can I contact you ?

[@uthayakumar05]

Hi can u do video about engine mounting for auto and how to change..

[@robertnehrbass2755]

Great video,I have a 67 998 with oil cooler.When changing oil does all the oil come out of the cooler when draining,also do you have to add more oil when filling.

[@Brivinci1]

That drain plug looks really nice. Question: does anyone remember the extended magnet drain plugs that were the upgrade some years back? Seem like everyone switched to super strong rare earth magnets now (which is awesome) BUT what about combining the two? So, you extend a rare-earth magnet further in (like the old upgrades) so that it lives closer to the oil pickup? Best of both worlds. A good idea when changing the oil is to remove the oil filler cap. It will help the oil flow out better. Something else I tend to do when changing the oil is to lift the rear of the car a bit. The diff hangs off the back of the trans and I like to make sure all the oil from that area if making its way towards the front right, where the drain plug is. Your grill mount is very nice and clean as well. Keep up the clever ideas and amazing videos.

[@shriramvenu]

you need to make sure your oil pickup doesnt get in the way of those long sump plugs. Personally I think Ben N's idea of putting magnets around the oil filter will be more effective at keeping metal out of the oil

[@jgb7215]

A small word of warning. Depending if you have a sump guard when the last of the oil is coming out it might hit the guard. With the car jacked up only in the front this bit of oil can flow back down the guard and come out the back edge...and if you don’t have your catch tray far enough back then... ask me how I know🤔. Thank goodness I always have a bit of cardboard down as a “diaper “

[@LoneStarMini]

Your videos are so simple and well produced. Thank you!

[@stefanobenvenuti242]

your workshop is the MINI living room !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TFMsnavy]

Or...... there's a couch in the workshop?

[@geeshanwanigasuriya9573]

Very helpful did it totally by myself any videos about clutch not being enough?

[@stevenwills559]

Hi isn't VR1 synthetic, thanks by the way videos are great. I own 1998 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works

[@carlosjosepontevalera3507]

Hi. very good video, I would like to know where you bought the mini air conditioner? . Thank you

[@ΝίκοςΚουρού]

You guy do really great job! Perfect explained! I have a question, what if oil filter is horizontally? My mini is a 98' 1275cc MPI.

[@eduardodedios8213]

You probably have a metal housing for your oil filter or a oil cartridge (old style). if your transmission is manual? There’s a conversion kit to go to a screw on style like this video. If you have an automatic transmission? There’s no conversion kit, make sure you replace the O ring or seal every time

[@SuperPenseBete]

On gearboxes with central oil pick up, I prefere to put the longer sump plug with the spring load magnet on it. This way, The magnet sit just next the oil pick up. For every Mini I fill the oil filter before install, it takes less time to the oil pump to build pressure and avoid any damage. A good thing went you rebuild a gearbox , is to put a second magnet on the back of the gearbox where the oil pick up meets the engine. @Miniolic (instagram)

[@pk76subban]

Hi SMCO! Great video. Big fan of all of your products here ! Is it okay to stick to 10W40 in a warmer climate? (i.e. California)

[@johnpolverini2231]

Just ordered!! Thank you for the quick response and informative videos!!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Awesome! You're very welcome, it's our pleasure.

[@TheHunterg30]

you don't check the oil level straight after turning the engine off ,you should wait at least 10 mins, other wise you'll end up over filling !

[@RyanLogsdon]

Thanks for the great video!! Why is it important to always change the washer? (mentioned at 5m 20s)

[@partyonthetrails]

Your videos are incredibly informative! They're extremely helpful as I prepare to purchase my first classic mini. Just throwing this out there, could you make a video covering things to know when buying your first mini? Maybe common issues to watch out for with different models. A buyer's guide so to speak. Thanks!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Thanks Mason. We're planning on putting together a buyer's guide video pretty soon! It will be a longer format and thorough guide.

[@3v1k1]

Nice video man. Okay, I'm curious. Do you check the oil reading after the oil settles back on the pan or immediately after you just run the car?

[@ixionn563]

Thanks for the great and informative video! Just changed the oil on my 1980 classic 1275cc with the 4 speed manual. I used the 5 gallon jug size of Valvoline VR1 20w-50. One jug perfectly filled my engine to in between the min/max lines on the dipstick, after I let the engine run and circulate. Kept the second container in the back as a spare. I used an STP Extended Life S3614XL, which by the way. For anyone wondering, the STP and I believe Fram 3614 part number filters are the right size for these Minis. If you're using an auto part store website or in store, put in "1985 Dodge Omni" with the 2.2 liter engine, this will cross reference to the exact filter size you need. Or cross reference an STP S3614. I do have one question, do you know the best places to purchase a replacement grille for these cars? Mine came with some funky aftermarket one and it's a pain to remove with 3 separate pieces. I'm definitely going to be picking up the rare earth magnet drain plug from your website for my next oil change, hoping to get my classic tuned up and happy with the rest of your videos as well. Again, thanks, good stuff man!

[@S90Edg]

Sorry if its already been asked, what is your fave spark plug to use? New to your vids but they are great. 👍

[@Stevestonmotorco]

First off, thanks! Second, we use NGK. BP6ES is the basic plug that will work great with stock components. If you have electronically controlled ignition you probably need BP6RES to insulate from electromagnetic radiation. With more engine mods that will see higher combustion temps, you might need to upgrade to BP9ES.

[@rallyzamora8356]

So easy to follow DYI,thank you!

[@superfelele]

Hey there, Do you check the oil level directly after you stop the engine? Or can you also check it before starting it (cold)?

[@mcquoidd6917]

why does rover mini say 10w -40 for the oil.... the shop put this in and lucky I checked as I changed it back to 20-50, or even 20-60 (added zinc)

[@idemchuk0506]

Great video thank you.

[@Defender-Guy]

Anything different on a 1300 MPi with an auto transmission? It’s in a Moke, FWIW.

[@xianghuajin3246]

Hi, bro! What type of oil and filter should be used for the classic mini with automatic transmission in 1998? thank you very much!

[@Nyorker86]

Beautiful video, thanks

[@Erik-rd1tl]

What kind of dashboard do you have in the little intro clip?? Looks amazing :D

[@JGW-81]

You didnt put oil in the filter ?

[@Sheehy223]

Holy... Wow that's a lot of metal floating around in that crankcase. How long do these engines typically last with the stock drain plug if properly maintained?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

MaxTheKanuck they are actually very robust. The metal comes from the gearbox, hence why most cars made the smart idea to separate the engine from its oil supply. All the more reason to have a good magnet

[@martinfidel7086]

@@Stevestonmotorco most engines where separate from the engine, I cannot think of many that are joined except motorcylces.

[@Orgusmic]

thanks very good video, very informative

[@ruismash]

Hi stevestonmotorco, I've subscrived you some time agora, and i love to see youre videos, they are very helpfull, however i cant understand what is the size of the drain plug that you make. Does it feats for more cars?? Keep with the good work and keep doing more great videos.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Rui Lopes thanks for the compliments! Our drain bolt is mini specific and only fits the classic mini

[@ruismash]

Thanks for the answer. I'm from Portugal, but stays so much expensive sending the drain bolt to here. By the way, the crush washer that comes with youre drain plug must be replaced every time that we change the oil?

[@austennaeve]

Do you ever fill the filter with oil before installing it? I use that same oil. seem to work well

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Austen Naeve some people do that but I have never found it to be necessary and especially with an spi car with the AC in the way, it can spill everywhere

[@Dr1vrAI]

I always fill it first. If necessary or not, I just feel better. But in Europe there is normally no AC installed.

[@ryodeo1341]

Don't worry about spill, fill the filter, start up oil pressure will be higher, obvious improvement to engine

[@matthewchadder532]

How often would you recommend doing this? about to buy my first mini - doing all the research I can and your channel is such a help.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Every 2000-3000 miles depending on how hard you drive it

[@rossdark713]

Hi Guys I live in Australia and would like to know how I can get some of your magnetic sump plugs. Thanks

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Hey Ross, you can head on over to our website stevestonmotorco.com We've got them listed under hardware. A shipping quote to your address is provided at checkout. Thanks!

[@tuanshamilfazeel]

Hi, after a drive, i see small oil leak beneath the car. When i take to the garage they said its quite normal for mini engine. Can u help on this?

[@RobertAube]

Is this a 1275cc? I noticed it's a newer fuel injected one. Did they make the 1000cc FI as well?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Robert Aube yes it’s a 1275. spi and mpi injection models were only made in the 1275 size.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Love 💕 you’re video.👍

[@DavidKemp]

Almost none of this is applicable to a Clubman. You round nose guys have it rough. This is great ad for your drain plugs. I’m totally going to order 1.

[@Thishandlehasalreadybeentaken]

David Kemp I just ordered one the other day, I can vouch for it, it’s really high quality material and it’s a very strong magnet for sure. Worth the price

[@mauriciobuitrago7294]

So you recommend to change the drain plug with every oil change? Love the design of the one you guys made! 🙂 Also, you mentioned 4.5 liters, would that also be 4.8 quarts?

[@yegmesh420]

I think he meant the crush washer every oil change

[@NerdiMee]

Please make a tutorial of how you converted your hood latch to an in car hood latch

[@alexanderSnilsson]

Sweet video, love the production!

[@phxsteele]

I'm new to the classic mini world. I have an 83 with manual gearbox so that should take 4.8 liters of oil. Looking at getting my wife an early 90s with a automatic transmission. I would assume that the auto doesn't share oil with the engine. What capacity would that have?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

They share the same oil. Most autoboxes take 5.0 liters of oil assuming it's just an oil and filter change and you're not draining the torque converter.

[@asadmo]

mines an auto 1.3i ive been hearing 10w40 is recommended, bike oil ?

[@ixionn563]

10w40 and 20w50 motorcycle/quad oil (I believe the VR1 shown here falls under that category as I remember using it on my quad) are common recommendations for classic Minis.

[@martinfidel7086]

USE JASO MA2 10W40 in your automatic otherwise you will wear out the clutch packs quicker and 20W50 holds the plates apart causing them to slip for longer than they should which is micro seconds and not seconds, minutes or hours as some think look up AP2 world for automatic parts, and yes Steves Sump plug will fit an auto :)

[@martinfidel7086]

@@ixionn563 not 20W50 it's bad for automatics

[@douglasgreen437]

Great job...🤔👍

[@stumpythetarantula]

Great video

[@douglaspage1085]

You ever put a big magnet on the oil filter?

[@danielfl.9347]

On my 1.4 TSI (VW) I think I am supposed to start it with the clutch in. What do you say about that?

[@martinfidel7086]

That's not an A series and has completely different thrust bearings as well as a much lighter clutch

[@freedomsrt8]

Which oil would recommend for a 1987 with a 998cc? If it was yours what would you use? Thanks

[@Stevestonmotorco]

The same for all mini engines. 20w50

[@martinfidel7086]

@@Stevestonmotorco don't put 20W50 in an automatic as you will kill it due to how the valves and pistons work

[@betitoroks]

What oil filter should we use?

[@shigsugiyama984]

Question on oil? I understand why you suggest high zinc, but why not synthetic. They off high zinc synthetic grades ?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Conventional oil is better because of the shared sump with the transmission. One reason is synthetic oil lubricates so well that the baulk rings tend to slip too much against the synchro, and when they don't spin up it makes gear changes difficult.

[@King4kills]

Thanks! I guess i‘ll do it myself next year ;)!

[@TornadoCAN99]

What is the correct oil filter for the 1275 cc engine? Local sources in BC?

[@marthareyes4070]

I have the same question🙄 New mini owner. Mine is a 1960 mini minor cooper. I live in California and every time I go to an autoparts they don't know what kind of car am I shoping for and I cant find the parts anywhere. So, what is the correct oil filter for the mini? Please

[@TornadoCAN99]

@@marthareyes4070 Hi. It will be best to contact one of the US classic mini specialist suppliers like Moss Motors, Seven Mini Parts or mini mania. They will all list the right filter for your model. Then once you have that part number/filter size, other local shops can cross-reference with filters they have on the shelf. The problem is the US did not have minis on the market after the early 1970's so none of the parts catalogs in auto shops list them.

[@chamaragamage7231]

Do you 1.3 mini full wiring diagram ..?

[@pratheesanbestsongs3011]

hi can you give some idia about how to adjust clutch? for classic mini

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Working on it!

[@windmill1965]

About the amount of oil: does it matter whether the car has a manual or automatic transmission/gearbox? Do both versions need 4.8 liters of oil?

[@nickshootsminis]

The autos need closer to 5.5 litres from experience, you'll also want to put in 10W40 MA2 JASO - hope that helps

[@windmill1965]

@@nickshootsminis Thank you! I appreciate your reply.

[@ΠΑΝΟΣΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ]

Hi my name is Panos and i am a classic-mini spare parts dealer here in Athens Greece. I am very impressed by your magnetic oil plug and i would like to buy some of them for my shop. Are you selling them overseas ?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Hi Panos, yes we do. If you want to talk about buying some for your inventory, please email us at [e-mail] thanks!

[@Defender-Guy]

What oil filter do you recommend for a 998?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Same recommendations as the 1275.

[@lukedenver5594]

So you always start your mini without clutch?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Yes, always.

[@martinfidel7086]

if you start it with the clutch pedal pressed the crankshaft thrust washers will die very quickly

[@llost638]

how to change manual gear oil for this model

[@BiscuitAdvisory]

hey I noticed your oil filter is from MiniSpares. But can I use any screw-on filter?

[@lyleattack]

You will need to get a filter with the right threads that fit and the right seal size. Any automotive store should be able to supply a filter to suit.

[@IsraelitesUnited]

Is it possible to remove the engine gearbox sump without taking out the engine in a classic mini

[@martinfidel7086]

no

[@ИгорьКоптев-х7ш]

🔥

[@jomergutierrez4949]

How can i order that drain plug?

[@WilliamMurfittGolf]

Such a shame the shipping to the uk is $52 id love one of these plugs but cant justify the cost

[@Stevestonmotorco]

William Murfitt Golf it shouldn’t be that much, shoot us an email with your info and we can see if the shipping rate is being calculated correctly

[@WilliamMurfittGolf]

Cheers guys i'll email you now :)

[@Brendalo1]

set up another link to the drain plug ty

[@Brendalo1]

found it ...

[@milogrijaldo3762]

New subscriber here :)

[@willymeatpie]

where can i buy that upgraded magnetic oil drain plug

[@Stevestonmotorco]

On our site! Www.stevestonmotorco.com

[@mad-maxx2211]

What can be making my front wheels stuck ? They won’t spin . The car is complete and is a 1969 and has been sitting for 17 years.

[@billdeanscoutermoose9430]

Isit a Cooper or Standard? Either way it is likely the brakes are seized on. A tougher fix with drums, than Cooper Disc brakes.

[@MrConstanzo]

Where I can get the magnetic plug?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Sorry, fixed the link in the card now Try here stevestonmotorco.com/collections/hardware/products/classic-mini-magnetic-oil-drain-bolt

[@MoldyWormStudios]

An American teaching a Brit about classic Minis now that’s funny 😂

[@Stevestonmotorco]

MoldyWorm Gaming *Canadian 🇨🇦

[@sjulier]

👍