so, umm, what can you guys tell me about my engine? Like the type, i know it's a 998cc, but is there anything specific I should know? Im really new to the mini engine, they are so tiny and even with the manuals, I am still pretty lost. like the canister oil filter. The previous thread I posted someone posted a list of filters, will ALL of them work, or do i need a specific one? how can I tell the parts that were modified? I hate asking and bothering you so much, but I'm trying to understand what I need to in order to restore it. Im really grateful to all the answers I have gotten so far. Oh, and what is a tappet? Thanks guys. all information is so appreciated and very much needed.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/camshaft1.htm - The mini has the pushrod type.

The tappet is the piece that directly on top of the cam. The pushrod touches the tappet and comes up out of the head. The pushrod pushes up the rocker and the rocker pushes the valve down on the other side.

Any one of those filters should work. You have to take your preference. Some people are ok using the cheap fram filters you get at walmart and others like to go with the more expensive ones. I personally prefer the NAPA gold filter cause its only 2 bucks more than the fram and its supposedly a much better filter. Theres plenty of reading material about oil filters online if this is something that concerns or interests you.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

 

Your photo doesn't show it but I do you you really have a "cannister" oil filter or a "spin-on"?

cannister filter:

this fits inside a removable metal can attached the the motor

spin-on:

spins on/off & is disposable

TAPPET:



location:

item #38, which sits on top of the cam (#17) and pushes up (its also called a "lifter") on item #37 (pushrod) which causes the rocker arms to rock and open/close the valves.