So, I was planning on finishing some "mods" to my car this weekend, and lets say nothing has been done yet. Here is the list, and the walls I have ran into.

Oil Change.
Simple enough, but I can't get the damn filter housing off, it won't budge. Also, the stupid reservoir tank keeps getting in the way

Joey Mod.
I can't get the headlight off. The outside bottom screw's housing must be stripped, but I cannot figure out how to get it off. I have the front wheels off redipping them and I still cant get those ones off. I don't have a dremmel so that is out of the question.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

A 23mm (I think) six point socket, and a breaker bar. I just wedge the tank up and out of the way.

I think you need to hold the adjuster when taking out the headlight screw.

 

Yep. Remove the mounting bolt from the reservoir and lay it back out of the way. You need the correct size socket for the filter. Don't remember the size right off hand.

 

A 1-1/16" 6-point socket will also work on the filter housing.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

idiotic.....

 

What is idiotic by my questions? I am having issues applying enough pressure to get the housing off, and I am perplexed as to what is rusted out causing the bolt hold my headlight in to not grab. I am sorry I went to a Mini enthusiast forum to ask questions. It is people like you that make forums so insufferable

 

Don't worry. That one trolls quite a bit. Usually with one word insults like that.

 

I think that was the intended for the use a 1 1/16 socket comment. I mean if you are going to work on your MINI why wouldn't you have proper metric sockets?

 

The headlight adjusters are threaded into a nut that is in the plastic housing. I had one of the nuts push out of the housing, which resulted in me being unable to attach the bolt. The one that was giving me the issue was the lower inside (toward the grille).

If you are unable to remove one of the bolts, maybe the nut pushed out of the plastic housing, and is just rotating. See if you can shine a light to see the threaded end of the bolt and see what is going on. Maybe you can pry the washer while turning the bolt, which may keep the nut engaged while unscrewing?

Don't get too frustrated, many things on this car are tight (like the clearance to get to the oil filter. I have been unable to remove the filter without dumping some oil, so pack a couple of paper towels under the filter housing before you unscrew it. I would also let it drain for a bit after loosening a couple of turns.

Have fun,
Mike

 

The correct size for the oil filter housing is 27 mm. Unfortunately, when I went into the local ACE and Lowe's, they didn't have that particular size in stock. Then I did some research and found that 1-1/16" also works, and luckily for me, they had this size in stock. I have changed my oil filter numerous times w/o any problem. Here is the video link: If you look at some of Mel's posts, you will see that he isn't always helpful. Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Another neat trick is after unbolting the screw that holds the reservoir I like to use a bungee cord with hooks on both ends holds the reservoir out of your way. Usually I hook it somewhere on the hood release above your head, save yourself a headache and buy the 6 point 27mm tool (28 ft.lbs).