Hey guys,

So about a month ago i got the oil changed and as I watched the tech changing the filter i noticed that he didnt put on the new gasket that came with the new filter. I confronted him about it and he said that these types of filters didn't need to change the gasket. This being the first oil change since i bought the mini i let it go thinking this guy knows more then i do..... then what do i notice under the car last week... a nice oil puddle.

So my question to you guys is.... am i able to open the oil filter cover ( with that huge hex head ) without having to first drain my oil?? I want to take a look at the gasket and confirm that is the issue.

also I have tried to find a diagram of the oil filter and housing but have been unsuccessful. If someone happens to know where I can find it that would be great

As always im vary thankful for and help or suggestions.

Nik

 

realoem.com for images.
generally "the guy" doesn't know sh#t about anything.
Jiffylube or similar?
Pinched the gasket or overtightened.

 

ya it was a quick lube, they had a sale on synthetic..... guess there saving money by keeping the new gaskets.... idiots

thanks for the link.... any idea if i can open it up without draining the oil??

 

Even with a new gasket, it's easy to mess it up. I've done it three times so far... I hate those filter housings... I work in a Toyota dealer and change those all the times and never had a single issue, but Mini seems to be a pain in the *** for this.

 

Da Ghost,
I plan to install a new oil filter ring, anything i need to keep in mind when i do?

obviously install the gasket properly, but im getting mixed answers about how tight the filter cap should be.

thanks in advance

 

You can unscrew it but you are going lose a bit of oil. The O-rings get messed up all the time and yes they should be replaced each time.

As for how tight - not gorilla tight. I use breaker and make sure it's right. They have a tendency to get stuck so I try my best to not go berserk on it.

Be careful not to cross thread it...

As for jiffy lube / quick lubes...penny wise pound foolish on that one.

 

The filter housing has a flange on it that bottoms out when fully tightened. Just snug/tight should be enough since the sealing is done by the O-ring. I always apply grease to the new O-ring and the groove it sits in. The idea is that the grease allows the O-ring to turn freely in both the filter housing and the mating surface on the engine. With the O-ring free to move, you avoid the potential of having the ring bind and tear. Also, it usually takes a few tries to get the threads to engage properly. If you can't get at least a half turn of threads at the beginning, by hand, back off the housing and try again. The housing will have some resistance as you tighten it with the socket and wrench but it will definitely move. If it binds at all, you've cross-threaded it and need to back it off before doing damage.

I agree with everyone, these canister filters are a pain in the *** compared to the conventional spin-on filters. Just another thing we can blame the tree-huggers for (easier to dispose of oiled elements without a metal can around them).

 

Newer 2007-up, I know the torque is 18ft-lbs for the filter housing, according to Bentley manual. Highly recommend you get a torque wrench if you are going to be working on the car, even just checking other peoples work.

 

You guys are all the best!!! I'm really enjoying this forum more then all the others Iv been members of. It's funny, when I had any problems with my e34 m5 I wouldn't get answers for days, and when I finally did it was usually " you should probably take it in to the dealership".

Thanks again to all for the tips, I'll check the gasket, make sure not to cross thread, and set my torque wrench to 18lbs

Thanks again to all of you

 

Yep, get a new gasket. They come with most oil filter kits. Takes a couple tries to get the hang of it then you can feel how the oil housing seats with the new gasket.

So info and things to read up on the oil filter housing. Looks like you have a Cooper ( Non S ) so you will not have the additional oil cooler ( like the supercharged versions )

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ter-wtf-2.html


Thanks

 

on a GEN1


when putting the new filter on


PRESS DOWN FIRMLY while turning the can .. not crazy hard, but firm


you are fighting a spring working against you .. I played for 2 hours before I discovered this and have done MANY MANY changes for self and others since . .


the torque you need to get the housing to seat exceeds the recommended torq' at finish!