Hi folks,

Call me "Ald", pleasure to meet you. I've been mildly naughty and made a few posts already =)

I'm the proud owner of a 2005 R50 with ~210k on it and counting! Before I say anything else, I want to say thanks to everyone and the wealth of information you've got up here - between some of the guides on Pelican and some of the posts here, I was able to wrap up a minor repair on my Keeper - just finished up changing the crankshaft pulley and serpentine belt.

I'm sure I could have wrapped it up on my own with a sixpack and a weekend, but I'm a homeowner and a dad with too many hobbies and I just don't have the time that I used to to mess around in my garage. So it was nice to be able to actually plan the repair in advance, get everything together I needed and just blow it up.

Anyway, thanks for being here and being you! See you guys around the boards.


Cheers and best wishes,

- Ald

 

Welcome to NAM from Wisconsin!!

 

Welcome! How about a few photos?

 

Welcome!


So good to see another mildly used MINI on the road... 210K keep 'em rolling.


Motor On!

 

Welcome to NAM, Ald! Really happy to hear our articles have been of use to you. We love when we are able to keep enthusiasts vehicles on the road, with not much damage to your wallet. I'm here if you ever have any tech or parts questions so please don't hesitate to shoot me a PM. Enjoy your time here.

 

Welcome - and good to hear that your wheels are still rollin' at 210k.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to NAM! Lots of info here to keeo that R50 in tip top shape!

 

Thanks everyone nice to be here!

I'll try to make a mental note to snap a couple pictures - the Keeper ain't beautiful, but it's good enough for me! Bought it a little over a year ago on the cheap with almost 190, and knew it'd be a basket, but I don't regret it. Once I caught up on the maintenance backlog (clutch, flywheel, power steering pump assembly, every balljoint imaginable, and a host of other bits), it has been mostly kind to me.

Did my initial service at my mechanic's to get it on the road, and really thought these would be a PITA to work on - but honestly, having just done the serpentine and driveshaft pulley and looked up some of the common leak areas, it isn't bad at all. Next on my DIY wishlist is getting the AC repaired.

Best wishes,

- Ald

 

Just thought I would let you know, it is common for the AC clutch to die. You can see if it is seized by turning the central clutch section. If it turns, you may be in luck and only need a clutch (don't just buy a magnet! Replace the whole clutch assembly, as most of the aftermarket magnets are junk) If it is seized, then a new compressor, dryer tank, flush and refill may be needed.
Now, the good news: if the radiator fan does not come on, when you have the AC switched on, it may need a fan speed control (on the radiator housing) replaced.
There is a lot of reading for doing these operation on here.
keep us posted!