Oil Change

[k-huevo]

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/misc.php?do=downloadfile&i=480

Hand tools needed:

13mm socket
36mm socket
Ratchet
Torque Wrench
Equipment:
Ramps
Wheel Chucks/Wood Block or Brick
Materials:
5 Quarts 5W30 synthetic oil.
OEM oil filter
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0439.JPG
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0442.JPG
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0445.JPG
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0440.JPG
The low profile socket and flex-head ratchet on the left are easier to work with in the limited space available for accessing the oil filter housing cover than the fixed-head ratchet and standard 36mm socket on the right.

[k-huevo]

Drive front wheels onto ramps.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0448.JPG

Place wheel chucks behind the rear wheels.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0447.JPG

Loosen the valve cover oil filler cap.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0449.JPG

[k-huevo]

Locate the oil filter housing cover and drain plug.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0450.JPG
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0452.JPG

Place a wide opening oil drain pan under the drain plug, positioning it so as not to overshoot the outer edge when the drain plug is removed.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0453.JPG

Remove the oil pan drain plug, once the used oil has stopped flowing, crack open the filter cover a few turns until the sound of dripping can be heard, when the dripping stops, open a few more turns until more dripping occurs. At the end of the second loosening, the filter cover can be removed entirely.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0451.JPG

[k-huevo]

Notice the difference in oil filters for the S and Cooper models, the Cooper version shown is for pre-July of 2004 build dates, the newer covers are the same as the S model. Take note of the rubber ring that should be showing when the new filter is installed.
The internals of the filter covers are also different prior to July 2004.
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http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0456.JPG

Both housings have spring loaded by-pass nozzles located within the housing that can make screwing on the cover difficult sometimes.
The Cooper pre-7/4 version
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0457.JPG

The S version and 50,52, & 53 variants after July 2004
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0500.JPG

[k-huevo]

Remove the old o-ring.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0459.JPG

Rub fresh oil on the new o-ring.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0460.JPG

Press S model oil filter (rubber ring towards the palm) into the housing cover until it gives abruptly or makes a “pop” noise. The pre-04 Cooper oil filter will not need the extra press to deform the paper aperture over the corresponding cover prominence.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0461.JPG

Screw the filter housing cover on while pressing at the same time. If the cover halts turning after only a few twists, STOP, back it out, then try again. The cover should screw on most of the way with hand strength; don’t try to force it. The filter may need to be repositioned with equal gaps on all sides within the cover if repeated attempts fail to get the cap on. Some have had luck with pre-fitting the filter in the housing first and then screwing on the cover.

Tighten the housing cover using a torque wrench at 18 ft-lb.

Screw the oil pan drain plug in by hand then tighten using a torque wrench at 18 ft-lb.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0462.JPG

[k-huevo]

Fill with 4.5 quarts on 5W30 synthetic motor oil.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0463.JPG

Screw on valve cover oil fill cap. Remove rear wheel chucks. Drive off ramps

To check the overall health of the engine internals, a sample can be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
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The data can be overwhelming so it’s a good idea to have the sample interpreted by a specialist. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ , http://www.dysonanalysis.com/ .

[Mike02MCS]

Wow, excellent how-to! Great pictures, too.

I don't have the shallow 36mm, just a regular Craftsman 36mm socket, it does make it more difficult. I don't use ramps either, just reach back and unscrew the plug.

The only problem I've had over almost 5 years of doing this is sometimes getting the filter housing threaded when putting it back on. You really do have to go easy until it's right.

Thanks for the write up. :thumbsup

[weezer2282]

The shallow 36mm is worth the investment. :thumbsup


Where do you purchase the Royal Purple from Keith?

[azuul]

Thanks Keith, awesome as usual.

[Mike02MCS]

[QUOTE=weezer2282]The shallow 36mm is worth the investment. :thumbsup


I think it's time to invest in a shallow 36mm and a set of ramps. I'm getting to old to contort in the driveway.

[scuderia]

Good write up Keith, I sell Royal Purple BTW...

[k-huevo]

Royal Purple can be purchased at NAPA, Alamo Performance, Boerne WA Auto, and other auto parts stores; NAPA also carries oil and air filter replacements. The filters are made by WIX.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0496.JPG

I’m now a big fan of this filter; it makes screwing on the canister cover a one attempt install. No need to do the press and pop routine either.

[k-huevo]

An oil change is not the only component of a thorough tune-up; fresh, correctly gapped plugs and a clean air filter will go a long way to maintain optimum engine performance.

The stock air filter is constructed of paper with an application of oil which does an outstanding job of filtering out dirt and debris. It flows well also, at least until it gets dirty which can happen in as little as 4,000 miles. The excessive oil saturation of the stock filter reduces its service life and can lead to a rich air/fuel ratio. An economical solution is to use a WIX filter which has less oil and more pleats to improve flow. NAPA filters are made by WIX so you can pick-up all the tune-up supplies in one place MCS #2800, Cooper #2799.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0499.JPG

A complete oil analysis includes a professional interpretation of the results which can provide guidance for a future tune in addition to engine health status and wear indications. The results from my analysis indicate a need to change the oil viscosity from the stock recommendation of 5W30 to 10W30. Also, the presence of elevated fuel dilute combined with 0 dirt ingress indicates clogged air filters (4,000 & 3,000 mile air filter change during this interval). Other indicators suggest the need for more efficient oil filtering so I’ve made that change as well. I’m going to try a fuel additive http://www.lubecontrol.com/fuel.htm to clean the injectors and improve the tune as a part of the analysis’ recommendation. A new set of spark plugs will get a narrower gap like I used to run. Overall the results were outstanding which means Royal Purple is doing its job and I didn’t screw-up the head install.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/misc.php?do=downloadfile&i=482
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/.6SRP1.jpg

[LonestarMiniTech]

There is no difference in oil filter housings as you show in your pictures the one you are calling an s housing cover is the newer cover and the one you are showing to be a regular cooper is an older version that was replaced by the newer version in mid 04. all the models supercharged or not use the same filter housing covers the ony difference is wheter or not you have an oil cooler attached to the housing usually found on automatics.

[k-huevo]

The covers (and corresponding filters) have indeed changed for the R50 Cooper during July 2004, but the S model cover is from a December 2002 build manual transmission S motor. My parts number source does not show the demarcation date from the 205 to the 763 version cover for the R53 model. Thank you for the correction as regards to the Cooper cover; I will edit the post. If you could please locate the change date for the S model I will make that correction as well.

So will an updated filter cover be compatible with the older housing? From the part number trail it is hard to tell.