MINI Cooper MINI Cooper specs
MINI Cooper MINI Cooper Forums MINI Cooper Pictures
Mark Forums Read MINI Cooper radio MINI Cooper latest news
 

Go Back   North American Motoring > 1st Generation MINIs > Modifications > How to
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


» Latest Main Topics
Go to first new post Gallery! Show me your lowered...
by k@rtm@n
1,315 Replies, 244,683 Views
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 06-23-2008, 05:51 PM
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher Eurothrasher is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 557
Gallery
Drivetrain :: DIY fuel filter change MCS

Required:
1) New Filter and gasket and O Ring kit ( Purchased mine from Atlantic British at Minicarparts.net - for about 38 bucks.
2) 10mm socket
3) flat bladed screw driver
4) rubber mallet or light hammer
5) Small angled hook tool to remove small O-Rings
6) Old (clean) Turkey baister
7) Rags
8) Rubber Gloves
9) Plastic Covering - to Cover the area working to protect from gasoline drips ect.
10) Vaseline



The Fuel Filter is located under the back passenger side seating area. You need to pull up the lower portion of the back seat, Front comes straight up, the back releases when it is then pulled forward.

Find the large black Tank Cover lid. Cover the area surrounding it with duct tape and thick plastic. You dont want the inside of your MINI stinking like petrol when we are done.



Removed the five 10mm nuts with socket, pry up the panel exposing the top of the entire sending unit. Some Chipmonk left me a gift on mine Vacuum any debris that is ontop before proceeding....



Loosen the Locking Collar Ring with flat bladed screw driver and rubber mallet, gently tapping until the ring moves freely enough to remove by hand.



If you are able to remove the ring then proceed to cover the fuel line connector with rags, and press the green side tabs INWARD and pull the connector out. A little petrol will come out under some pressure, but not a big deal.



Remove the metal locking ring, and secure the fuel connector aside and out of the way with some duct tape..



Gently pry up the Entire Sending Unit, Remeber it is sitting in a fuel tank....NO SMOKING PLEASE



Gently Lift the unit up about 3-4 inches ONLY, grab the top with one hand and the sides with the other and twist to unlock the top and pull the cap off. It was not easy, and you have to be careful of the various things attached to the bottom part ( sending unit arms and stuff ) Some of it is made of (breakable) plastic and you dont want that stuff falling into your tank !!!! I used a rag wedged in between the unit and the tank edge to help keep it in place.
After separating the top from the bottom, gentley place the bottom back, and remove the top and the filter should come with it. Carefully remove the old filter from the cap and dispose of it immediately in old coffee can or something similar. That black fuel can make a mess.



Remove the Large thin O-Ring and using the turkey baister suck the blackish fuel from the inside of the bottom assembly exposing the small O-ring and center post. ( please dispose of this old fuel properly )



Remove the small O-Ring from the center post with a small hooked tool. Mine was somewhat brittle enough to removed by just picking at it.....But make sure to remove any small pieces that may fall to the bottom of canister.



Remove O-Ring from inside of Cap too.



Break out the Lube - Cover the new O-rings with a small amount of Vaseline before installing them.



This particular Gasket ring has to go in ONLY one way, Make sure you put install this with words " THIS SIDE DOWN " facing down into tank.



Pull up Canister from tank a few inches, holding tightly - press the new filter into bottom half with slight twisting motion. Then press the canister cap on the same way and press the two halves of the canister together, and a short twist to lock them together.

Slide the Gasket seal down ( with words " THIS SIDE DOWN" ) and press into place with your fingers, working them around the assembly until the gasket is flush



Place the canister in the tank with the lid tab lined up with the tank collar
slot,



Twist the metal locking ring back on hand tight, then securely with flat blade screw driver and mallet giving it a few taps to snug it up good ( Do not strip it, it should just snug up about 1 inch further or so



Push in the fuel line unitl the green locking tabs snap in place. Refasten the tank cover with the 10mm nuts. Remove plastic covering and duct tape, place a label over the lid with mileage and date of Filter change, secure back seat into place.



Place your key in the ignition and turn to positon 2 then to the off position about 5-6 times. This will re-pressurize the fuel system. Then it should start right up. Just for the heck of it, check under your vehicle for the next few days for any leaking fuel from that area. Mine was bone dry, but I was very careful and took my time with everything I did.

This was my first time and I was done in one hour. I should think it could be done in half that time with this experience.

My MCS now starts up first time everymoring as well
__________________

Last edited by MrCooperS; 05-31-2010 at 06:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-23-2008, 05:53 PM
Longboard110's Avatar
Longboard110 Longboard110 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Jose, CA.
Posts: 808
Gallery
Nice write up. I recently did mine too. Crazy how MINI calls this a lifetime part.
__________________
SLaVeRaBbiT
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-23-2008, 06:04 PM
HighLife4136's Avatar
HighLife4136 HighLife4136 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere just left of off center
Posts: 735
Gallery


That's your first pick. If you copy the "Direct Link" part below your pic on Photobucket, come back to your post on NAM in a different tab and copy that url into the box that appears after clicking on the yellow square with the drawing of a mountain on it, you'll get the pick like I just posted. You can do that for all of your pics if you want and it will be easier for users to print out your entire post for the how-to. Thanks for posting btw!
__________________
I like mods, carbon fiber and hot chicks in calendars...
cup holders...not so much...
"Save for a head and a tune" - Dr. O
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-23-2008, 06:31 PM
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher Eurothrasher is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 557
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLife4136 View Post


That's your first pick. If you copy the "Direct Link" part below your pic on Photobucket, come back to your post on NAM in a different tab and copy that url into the box that appears after clicking on the yellow square with the drawing of a mountain on it, you'll get the pick like I just posted. You can do that for all of your pics if you want and it will be easier for users to print out your entire post for the how-to. Thanks for posting btw!
When I did that I got a box with a Red X and no photo, any idea why? Thanks for the help too, not all that computer savy.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-23-2008, 07:22 PM
HighLife4136's Avatar
HighLife4136 HighLife4136 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere just left of off center
Posts: 735
Gallery
Here ya go:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurothrasher View Post
Required:
1) New Filter and gasket and O Ring kit ( Purchased mine from Atlantic British at Minicarparts.net - for about 38 bucks.
2) 10mm socket
3) flat bladed screw driver
4) rubber mallet or light hammer
5) Small angled hook tool to remove small O-Rings
6) Old (clean) Turkey baister
7) Rags
8) Rubber Gloves
9) Plastic Covering - to Cover the area working to protect from gasoline drips ect.
10) Vaseline




The Fuel Filter is located under the back passenger side seating area. You need to pull up the lower portion of the back seat, Front comes straight up, the back releases when it is then pulled forward.

Find the large black Tank Cover lid. Cover the area surrounding it with duct tape and thick plastic. You dont want the inside of your MINI stinking like petrol when we are done.



Removed the five 10mm nuts with socket, pry up the panel exposing the top of the entire sending unit. Some Chipmonk left me a gift on mine Vacuum any debris that is ontop before proceeding....



Loosen the Locking Collar Ring with flat bladed screw driver and rubber mallet, gently tapping until the ring moves freely enough to remove by hand.



If you are able to remove the ring then proceed to cover the fuel line connector with rags, and press the green side tabs INWARD and pull the connector out. A little petrol will come out under some pressure, but not a big deal.



Remove the metal locking ring, and secure the fuel connector aside and out of the way with some duct tape..



Gently pry up the Entire Sending Unit, Remeber it is sitting in a fuel tank....NO SMOKING PLEASE



Gently Lift the unit up about 3-4 inches ONLY, grab the top with one hand and the sides with the other and twist to unlock the top and pull the cap off. It was not easy, and you have to be careful of the various things attached to the bottom part ( sending unit arms and stuff ) Some of it is made of (breakable) plastic and you dont want that stuff falling into your tank !!!! I used a rag wedged in between the unit and the tank edge to help keep it in place.
After separating the top from the bottom, gentley place the bottom back, and remove the top and the filter should come with it. Carefully remove the old filter from the cap and dispose of it immediately in old coffee can or something similar. That black fuel can make a mess.



Remove the Large thin O-Ring and using the turkey baister suck the blackish fuel from the inside of the bottom assembly exposing the small O-ring and center post. ( please dispose of this old fuel properly )



Remove the small O-Ring from the center post with a small hooked tool. Mine was somewhat brittle enough to removed by just picking at it.....But make sure to remove any small pieces that may fall to the bottom of canister.



Remove O-Ring from inside of Cap too.



Break out the Lube - Cover the new O-rings with a small amount of Vaseline before installing them.


This particular Gasket ring has to go in ONLY one way, Make sure you put install this with words " THIS SIDE DOWN " facing down into tank.



Pull up Canister from tank a few inches, holding tightly - press the new filter into bottom half with slight twisting motion. Then press the canister cap on the same way and press the two halves of the canister together, and a short twist to lock them together.

Slide the Gasket seal down ( with words " THIS SIDE DOWN" ) and press into place with your fingers, working them around the assembly until the gasket is flush



Place the canister in the tank with the lid tab lined up with the tank collar
slot,



Twist the metal locking ring back on hand tight, then securely with flat blade screw driver and mallet giving it a few taps to snug it up good ( Do not strip it, it should just snug up about 1 inch further or so



Push in the fuel line unitl the green locking tabs snap in place. Refasten the tank cover with the 10mm nuts. Remove plastic covering and duct tape, place a label over the lid with mileage and date of Filter change, secure back seat into place.



Place your key in the ignition and turn to positon 2 then to the off position about 5-6 times. This will re-pressurize the fuel system. Then it should start right up. Just for the heck of it, check under your vehicle for the next few days for any leaking fuel from that area. Mine was bone dry, but I was very careful and took my time with everything I did.

This was my first time and I was done in one hour. I should think it could be done in half that time with this experience.

My MCS now starts up first time everymoring as well
__________________
I like mods, carbon fiber and hot chicks in calendars...
cup holders...not so much...
"Save for a head and a tune" - Dr. O
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-23-2008, 07:32 PM
totamdu totamdu is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 206
Gallery
awesome
I've been putting this off. Now I don't think I'll have any problems.
__________________
03' BRG MCS Ya I have gold rims and a naked lady on my MINI
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-23-2008, 07:37 PM
silversmoke06 silversmoke06 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lake forest, California
Posts: 922
Send a message via AIM to silversmoke06
Gallery
a half hour. thats not a bad.
Danny of mini corsa knocked mine out in probably half that if not less.
I was happy to pay him to do it... Hes great.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-23-2008, 08:18 PM
nabeshin's Avatar
nabeshin nabeshin is offline
Functioning Lunatic
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 5,121
Gallery
Garage
With over 43,800 miles and 5 years, 9 months on my filter, I think it is time.
__________________
9/29/2002 EB/W MCS Broken - temporarily retired
Original owner since 2002.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-24-2008, 07:28 AM
Xymox Xymox is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 789
Send a message via AIM to Xymox
Gallery
Awesome DIY. Wish we had a sticky.
__________________

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-24-2008, 07:39 AM
AstroBlackS's Avatar
AstroBlackS AstroBlackS is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CT
Posts: 930
Gallery
Great Writeup!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-24-2008, 11:03 PM
metaltech metaltech is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Puget Sound
Posts: 66
Gallery
What an outstanding DIY thread. My hats off to Eurothrasher for his time and effort in this thread...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-25-2008, 07:42 AM
Kentiki Kentiki is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 745
Gallery
This is an excellent how-to. But where do you lay your cigarette while doing this?
__________________
2005 MINI Cooper S
2005 MINI Cooper Convertible

www.pixatography.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-25-2008, 10:40 AM
Big-Daddy-Blue's Avatar
Big-Daddy-Blue Big-Daddy-Blue is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 239
Send a message via AIM to Big-Daddy-Blue Send a message via Yahoo to Big-Daddy-Blue
Gallery
Excellent write up!
__________________
Thanks,

Stephen
Um...Moto...?

<a href=http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/onebad35th/sigs/minisig.png target=_blank>http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...gs/minisig.png</a>
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-25-2008, 05:25 PM
jhiggs26 jhiggs26 is online now
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Maple Ridge, BC
Posts: 958
Send a message via MSN to jhiggs26
Gallery
Moderators, please sticky this thread as a HOW TO.

Solid work Eurothrasher!

Jeremy
__________________
2004 Liquid Yellow MCS Sport/Chrome Pkg, 17% Alta SC Pulley, Alta Intake, Alta IC Diverter, Ultrik Cam, CM Flywheel/FX200, OBX ATB Diff, JCW Fuel Injectors and Software, Edge Racing Sport Header with Magnaflow Cat, 1 Ball Exhaust, JCW Plugs, Powerflex Front Subframe Bushings, Powerflex Motor Mount Inserts, Alta Springs, Alta Lower Control Arms, Alta 19mm Rear Sway Bar, Rear Seat Deleted, 17 by 7 O.Z. Ultraleggeras, Auto Meter Boost/Vacuum And Oil Pressure Gauges.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-13-2008, 06:07 PM
miniconcarne's Avatar
miniconcarne miniconcarne is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Falcon Colorado (Springs)
Posts: 1,315
Gallery
Cool, one more thing I can do to my MINI.
__________________

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.

Mark Twain
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-15-2008, 05:58 PM
hydouken hydouken is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Gallery
Hello everyone
I followed these instructions exactly but there is one problem, where the heck does the second thick black gasket go?
If you look at the first picture of the fuel filter kit it comes with:
- two small o-rings
- one large thin o-ring
- two large thick gaskets
- fuel filter
Going through the steps the small o-ring goes on the bottom of the fuel canister on the center post. And the other small o-ring goes on the center post on the inside of the fuel canister cap
Fuel filter goes into the fuel canister on top of the center post
The large thin o-ring goes on the fuel canister cap and one of the large thick gaskets goes on top of the fuel tank.
After this part the DIY tells you to reassemble everything. WAIT!?!?!!?
It doesnt tell you what to do with the second thick black gasket that says "this side down"......
Can someone please tell me where this goes? I ordered my kit from www.minicarparts.net just like the one posted in this thread. Did BMW give an extra gasket by accident, I highly doubt it.
Please some help
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-15-2008, 06:23 PM
hegira hegira is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South o' Boston
Posts: 299
Gallery
Great write-up, Euro!
Do you notice any improvement in the performance of your car? Any change in mileage?
Thanks,
Hegira
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-16-2008, 05:17 AM
carhopper carhopper is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dandridge, TN
Posts: 53
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by hydouken View Post
Hello everyone
I followed these instructions exactly but there is one problem, where the heck does the second thick black gasket go?
Good question, I did mine 2 weeks ago and I couldn't find where it went either.
__________________
2004 MCS - 15% pulley, shark injector, BKR7EKU plugs, Madness CAI
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11-16-2008, 05:28 AM
carhopper carhopper is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dandridge, TN
Posts: 53
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by hegira View Post
Great write-up, Euro!
Do you notice any improvement in the performance of your car? Any change in mileage?
Thanks,
Hegira
To answer your question, my gas mileage went down about 1mpg. Dirty filters create a lean condition so replacing one will never give you better mileage in my opinion. My car had 100k miles and it was very black. The turkey baster is a good idea, I soaked the fuel with rags.
__________________
2004 MCS - 15% pulley, shark injector, BKR7EKU plugs, Madness CAI
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-16-2008, 10:02 PM
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher Eurothrasher is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 557
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by carhopper View Post
Good question, I did mine 2 weeks ago and I couldn't find where it went either.
Must be photo missing from line up

There are two for canister, one for base and one for lid. Not an issue, be just swap it out next filter change.....
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-16-2008, 10:05 PM
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher Eurothrasher is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 557
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by hegira View Post
Great write-up, Euro!
Do you notice any improvement in the performance of your car? Any change in mileage?
Thanks,
Hegira
If I had a fuel pressure guage, I would have taken pre and post pressure tests......but it did alleviate some irradic idle issues I was experiencing the first 10 mins after start up.

No fuel mileage change for one good reason....the country has switched to 10% ethenol fuel, ALL cars will experience a 3+% reduction of their usual MPG. Seems sort of stupid we added the crap to begin with if you ask me because it is a trade off. We have more fuel but get worse MPG using it.....good example as to why GOVERNMENT should never be allowed to run ANYTHING in the Public sector......
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 11-17-2008, 07:04 AM
carhopper carhopper is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dandridge, TN
Posts: 53
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurothrasher View Post
Must be photo missing from line up

There are two for canister, one for base and one for lid. Not an issue, be just swap it out next filter change.....
Still not sure. Mine only had 1 when I disassembled. One goes at the base, then you slide the assembled canister and the lid makes contact with the upper part of the base gasket. I'm thinking it goes under the base that never gets removed for this procedure. I tried to add another one under the lid, but it wouldn't seat enough to get the tightening ring down. But again, mine only had 1 to begin with.
__________________
2004 MCS - 15% pulley, shark injector, BKR7EKU plugs, Madness CAI
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11-18-2008, 05:28 PM
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher Eurothrasher is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 557
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by carhopper View Post
Still not sure. Mine only had 1 when I disassembled. One goes at the base, then you slide the assembled canister and the lid makes contact with the upper part of the base gasket. I'm thinking it goes under the base that never gets removed for this procedure. I tried to add another one under the lid, but it wouldn't seat enough to get the tightening ring down. But again, mine only had 1 to begin with.

Open photo here: Arrow point to other gasket.

Gasket.bmp
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 11-20-2008, 09:51 AM
hydouken hydouken is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by carhopper View Post
Good question, I did mine 2 weeks ago and I couldn't find where it went either.
Just to let you guys know I figured out where the second large thick gasket went from another thread.
The second large thick gasket goes on the other side of the gas tank where the fuel pump is. Replacing this gasket is similar to the fuel filter side.
Removed the black metal cover, clean all the nasty dust/dirt off the top, remove the metal locking ring by turning it counter clockwise. The fuel pump is spring loaded and will pop up on its own, pull the gasket off and work it around the pump. Replace everything in reverse order.
I replaced mine only because I just couldnt throw away a brand new gasket
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11-20-2008, 10:40 AM
carhopper carhopper is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dandridge, TN
Posts: 53
Gallery
Thanks, now I feel better. I knew there weren't two on the passenger side. I did try to install the second one under the cap as eurothrasher described, but the cap won't seat with the extra thickness.
__________________
2004 MCS - 15% pulley, shark injector, BKR7EKU plugs, Madness CAI
Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2008, 10:40 AM
 
 
 
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Forum Jump


MINI CooperMINI Cooper PrivacyMINI Cooper Terms of UseMINI Cooper Guidelines MINI Cooper Advertising The North American MINI Cooper Community
  MINI Cooper news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of the North American MINI Cooper
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:16 PM.
 Copyright © 2002-2008 North American Motoring. All Rights Reserved.     Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
North American Motoring is an independently operated web site supporting MINI owners and enthusiastsworldwide. As such it has no official relationship with MINI USA, BMW AG, or BMW of North America.All original artwork and design is Copyright © 2002-2004 North American Motoring.
Admin Account Passwords

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2