My LDS and clutch should be here today, but I'm waiting for my passenger side engine mount to get back from power before I can remove the tranny using the engine support bar from harbor freight. I'm going to replace all the gaskets and O rings too.

These hoses look like they've been soiled a lot and feel flimsy, I'm going to replace them too, does anyone know the part number of them or what they are called? Keep in mind I've never had a R53 previously or taking one apart, they look like part of the heater system. Yes, I'll be replacing the oil filter housing gasket too.



I found the wire that I believe connected to the oil drain plug once upon a time, can anyone confirm if it's a single blue wire lead? I'm sure if this is it I can just add an extension and a female connector to it. I bought the oil plug and it just has a flat male connector attached to it



I also bought a Mishimoto radiator before I read all the bad news about bad welds and leaks. Bummer, hopefully I'll get lucky with this one. Their intercoolers are highly recommended in the diesel world so I figured it would be the same in the MINI world.



I also took the rack off and pump off because I sent my subframe to be powder coated illusion orange.

 

Those flexible hoses are part of the oil cooler system. Good luck with the Mishimoto radiator; I'm on my third one - the previous two leaked in the same spot and I fear a similar fate for the current one.

 

 

First.... Great thread and photos !

Second... what IS the best radiator out there for the money on an R53... improved or Stock Replacement??
Links and/or prices would be much appreciated!

Where do the stockers typically fail and why?


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I've never bought a clutch kit before, do they come assembled? I know I recieved a previously returned one, the tattered ziplock bag and scattered bolts gave it away, lol.

 

 

Looked on realoem.com for part numbers and was surprised to NOT be able to find a diagram of the oil cooler. However, MiniMania sells the coolers/hoses so you might try them.

 

 

It's for an oil temp gauge. That gauge is standard on my MC40.

 

 

 

 

Yes. I've seen them occasionally on this forum for sale and also on eBay.

 

Thanks. https://new.minimania.com/part/NME87...W-manual-Trans

 

@Tgriffithjr - F.Y.I. on the MC40 gauge cluster: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...gauge-pod.html

 

Also, ECS Tuning sells oil temp and water temp gauges for the MC40 cluster but I'm not sure if they're factory OEM, repros or ???. You might check with them.

 

@jk6672: Just so you know, those oil cooler hoses tie into the water re-circulation system to help the oil achieve peak operating temp.

 

 

I followed the hoses and it looks a little confusing, it goes into a four-way coupling.