Hate to bring it up again, but changed the oil and filter again today. *&^%$#@!!! Successful eventually, but...

First, I literally broke/bent my socket wrench while unscrewing the filter housing (yes, MINI dealer did the last change).

Last time I did the change, I got the housing to pop back in place after about 10 minutes. Today, about 20 to 30 minutes. Ridiculous. It keeps seeming to want to cross thread based on feel (since I can't see the damn thing). Finally, it went on. Any aftermarket oil filter housing relocation kit available??? Or would a new filter housing possibly make this any easier. I'm beginning to miss the old spin-on elements.
Greg

 

There used to be a spin on adapter sold years ago. It is no longer available.

Just push and hold then apply slight force towards the ground and the headers as you turn. It can go on really easily if you align the threads to start in a half turn.

 

I would have the SA make a note on future work orders for the tech not to over tighten the filter housing.

As far as the relocation kit goes. A few years back a vendor was working on that very thing. I don't believe it went further than a few prototypes.

 

If you turn the housing backwards...you will feel the threads alighn, and be able to feel when to turn it forwards. That is the best trick I know of...that and be sure the oil filter is fulley seated so you don't need to push down too hard while turning!!
Sorry your dealer put it on so tight...once you get the hang of it..it is quick and easy...I can Do it without even dripping oil from the filter area if I am careful. Just crack the seal, open it but don't remove it, then get a beer..about 5 minutes later, pull off the top, and have a rag handy...pop out the old filter, switch the gasket...screw the cover back on!!
I bet next time it will go much more easily??

 

I find it very helpful to pre-fit the filter on both the engine and housing sides so that there is no resistance when fitting the housing 'for real'.

Cobalt made a spin on adapter. I got one in an ebay grab bag once, sold it to a NAMmer in Texas.

 

Does it really have to be synthetic oil $55? I've been told to change the oil thereafter every 5,000 and the dealer says 10,000. What is the right answer?
I had the oil change at my local mechanic last time. Today I went to Morristown Mini and the free 30 Point inspection. Naturally after 60,000 miles things would come up. Well, my oil filter housing was "stripped" and put on incorrectly that I had a slight oil leak. They told me that was the most important thing to fix. The part alone was $297 with 2 hrs of labor $312 plus supplies, synthetic oil and recycling of waste...Grand Total of $702.

This just sounds too much. Can someone help me feel better about today? I don't mean the weather today?

 

FWIW, I can't see a stripped canister causing a 'slight leak'. It either holds, or it doesn't. You can definitely find an independent shop to do it for less. I'd also have someone confirm the diagnosis.

 

Yes. It needs to be synthetic and the 0-40 Mobil 1 I use is about 6 buck a quart these days. Filter is around $5 but I buy then 4 at a time off eBay and they are a bit cheaper. Also, there is no "right" answer for which oil to use either.

There is no "right" answer. 10,000 is probably fine. I change mine at 5000 as that is what I always have done. But even I admit that is probably overkill on our Mini's.


It does sound too much and it seems to me that it would be hard to strip. The canister is cheap. The filter receiver is probably more expensive but I am not sure how they could tell if that is bad without taking it apart. It sounded like you didn't get it repaired. If you didn't there are good independent mechanics around that work much cheaper than the dealer. Sounds like you are in NJ?

But if you did get it fixed then it's done so move on. What else was on the list?

Rich