Frequently Asked Questions

Ask Mowog

Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Mowog,

I'm feeling game. I want to do some minor mechanical repairs to my Mini. What do I need to start work?

Eager.

Dear Mowog,

I need to jack my Mini up. Where are the jacking points?

Skinny

Dear Mowog

My Mini leaks more oil than an Exxon oil tanker. What's the secret to making the oil stay on the inside?

Slick

Dear Mowog

I recently replaced the copper washer on the oil pressure relief valve because of a minor oil leak. There were two worn washers so I replaced two. The external nut holds a spring in place which regulates the pressure. The amount of movement of the spring therefore should be critical in the operation of the relief valve. By fitting two, will this effect the operation of the valve by extending the amount of travel?

Relieved

Dear Mowog,

I hear the guys who compete with their cars talk about helical cut and straight cut gears. What's the difference between the two and what are their advantages?

Sprocket

Dear Mowog

What's the secret to removing the radiator from a Mini without first removing the engine?

Frustrated.

Dear Mowog

In the recent cold weather I've had a lot of trouble getting my Mini started. What causes these problems? How can I identify them and what can be done to prevent them ?

Frosty

Dear Mowog

I'm trying to sort out my Mini's wiring loom. Is there any standard to the wire colour scheme used.

Tangled

Dear Mowog

Why are some early Minis positive earthed and later ones negative earthed?

Polarised

Dear Mowog

My Mini stalls below 1500 RPM. When it is running, the oil light comes on below 2000 RPM but there is plenty of oil in the engine, in fact it seems to be increasing! What's wrong?

Pumper