Hello all,
So I bought Holly (02 MCS) in May 2011, then three months later I got shipped to Korea for a year then here to Japan ever since. She got driven a moderate amount until March 2012, where she was parked at my parents house ever since. My now wife drove her a short while in January 2014, but it has literally sat in the same spot since. My parents plan on getting her back to good running order for me as a coming home type deal (getting stationed back stateside in April). Right now for sure oil, battery, and tires. I'm thinking coolant as well, and possibly trans fluid? Car is in southwest Virginia. Any other items that should be addressed? Thanks in advance!


-Mike

 

Coolant and brake fluid change. Check serpentine belt.

 

As I read it, the car has been basically sitting for 4 years, with one brief period of driving. If it were my car, I would do the following at a minimum:

battery
oil and filter change
coolant flush
brake fluid flush
tires (depending on how old they are)

You don't say anything about how it has been sitting (outside, covered, inside, ?) but that will also play a role in what needs to be done. Check closely in all nooks and crannies for signs of animal infestation and plan on getting a thorough detailing done.

 

I just had this - the handbrake cables freeze - There is a spot the cable rests on - over a a rear suspension link, and it rubs thru the casing. I got both cables at the dealer - list was $70, I paid $55 - each. Not an awful job, but it solved a bunch of odd issues. I would think you will have to do these. Did you put any fuel stablilzer in before you stopped using it. Aslo flush brake fluid at the first chance.

RY

 

This list seems like the mandatory items (and I would count the tires on that list)

battery
oil and filter change
coolant flush
brake fluid flush
tires

Tranny fluid and power steering fluid would be good, but not on my short list.

But, I would get the car checked out before throwing money at it - is everything still working? Any chance water got in, etc? Either have an Indy look it over closely or ask a friend/relative who is capable of doing a thorough job.

 

Sorry for lack of info. She's sitting in their driveway outside. Not sure if they have the handbrake on, it's a level driveway so they usually just park in gear and no handbrake (both parents exclusively own M/T cars). Didn't think about brake fluid, good call on that one. Also will have belt looked at. My dad was a mechanic in his days before the Army, so he knows the basics, any specific spots to have him check for leakage/corrosion?

Thanks,
Mike

EDIT: Also, to my knowledge everything worked on the car when it was parked. Except the drivers seat reclining mechanism is destroyed lol and the glovebox latch is broken (anyone parting out a Mini in VA/NC? Lol)

 

Some common failures I would be looking out for - I just don't have any experience whether a sitting car is more or less likely to have these problems than a driving car.

1) Plastic thermostat housing (mounted on the left end of the head). Leaks or cracks. Might be

2) Crank position sensor (mounted on front of block, down low) - common source of oil leaks on front of engine.

3) Main dampener/pulley (rubber fails, causes weird problems - loss of power, electrical gremlins) since alternator/supercharger/AC compressor aren't being driven properly.

4) Power steering fan and main fan - turn the AC on and confirm the main fan runs in low speed. Low or High speed depends on coolant temperature. There are threads here on how to test your fan. Fan failures are also common.

As an aside - AC systems that sit can loose their charge. Oil isn't being circulated so seals dry out. Probably worth testing the AC to make sure it blows cold. No good way to "top off" a MINI AC - need to recover the refrigerant and refill by weight if its low.

 

I'm fairly certain the A/C will blow cold either way lol, it's pretty cool in VA right now, so that one will have to wait till April. I'll have my dad check the fan though. I have to drive it from VA to CA (getting stationed near LA) in mid May, so cooling will certainly be important.

 

If it were me, I'd definitely change
Oil/filter
Coolant
brake fluid
serpentine belt
wiper blades

and probably change:
tires (if they're less than 10 years old they might be fine)
engine air filter
cabin air filter

and inspect:
spark plug wires
spark plugs
brake pads/discs


Personally, if the battery works and there's no problems with the car running, I'd leave it alone and replace it when it fails. Hopefully you stabilized the fuel before you parked it, I'd run seafoam in the first couple of tanks of fuel to make sure things are clean. It may not hurt to run some seal softener (stop leak type stuff) in the oil when you change it to help soften all those seals and o-rings that have been sitting and drying out for 4 years. Modern cars, in my experience, really don't suffer from sitting so I think just a little bit of basic maintenance, and you'll be fine. You might be a little more prone to suffer failed seals/plastic parts as a result of it sitting but only time will tell.

 

I would inflate the tires and run & drive the car before completely going through everything! Cars are a lot more resilient than people give them credit for. Oil & filter change and brake fluid change is wise, but mainly because the car sat outside. Take one step at a time.....sure throw all new fluids and parts at it if you want, but most of it really isn't necessary. The coolant can be tested, if it's not acidic it's fine. Once you get home you can address any particular item that requires attention. Just get home now!

John

 

Hello Mike! Check out what we have to offer in our catalog here for your MINI while you fix things up. Check over fluids, filters, belts, spark plugs/wires, and look over suspension components. Any idea when the fuel filter was changed? When the new battery is put in, if the MINI does sit for a while until April, it may be a good idea to invest in a battery tender here. That way your new battery stays in working condition until you get back.

 

Howdy! I actually cruised through your website the other day. I'm looking into doing suspension bushings and a few other bigger things once I get to Cali and get settled in (the wife and I are buying a house this time! Crazy times, but I'll have a real garage). Once my parents get it running/driving, I'm gonna have my dad drive it to work once a week, to keep fluids fresh (to include gas lol).

 

Fabulous! All sounds like a great plan and congratulations on buying a home with your wife. Depending on your location in Cali, we do local pick up! Hope you have a safe trip back home and if you ever need anything please be sure to reach out and let me know.

 

Navy or Marine?
Ex Navy AE2 Aircrew (84-93) Combat Veteran

 

Air Force actually getting stationed at Edwards, a little ways North East of LA. Looking at living near Bakersfield though, nicer looking area, and the commute will just be more time to enjoy my Mini.