The Mini Library Reviews...

Haynes Mini Service and Repair Manual 1969-Oct 1996.
by JS Mead

Readers should be aware that this publication, which has been in print continuously since 1962 with occasional updates, is perhaps the very best publication for the Owner who wishes to do some or more of his own service/repair; other than the official Workshop Manual from Rover. Almost all necessary maintenance and repair jobs for the car are covered in clear steps, helped by very many photos, drawings and some exploded diagrams.

This is the latest edition of the world-famous Haynes Manual specifically devoted to the Mini; and there are some BIG changes. From its title, it is no longer the 'Owners Workshop Manual', but the 'Service and Repair Manual'; and I make no apologies for comparing the two, current and previous, during this review. The changes throughout in this latest edition are significant . No longer is it a workshop repair manual, more a very detailed home maintenance book - a considerable difference to the owner who may wish, or have, to repair his car a long way from his nearest friendly Dealer!

First impressions

Thinner, 300pages (360pp before) and printed on a curious lower-grade newsprinty paper which nonetheless seems adequate, although untested (yet) with oilstains. The drawings are excellent (many from the official Manual) and all photos seem to be of clearer quality than some of the previous grey-black blurs; although in true Haynes fashion, many have appeared in every one since the very first edition - and at first glance I can trace no new ones for this issue.

It has been completeley re-vamped in this new edition for the benefit of the home mechanic and owner, and a very great effort has been made to help even the newest recruit by clearer, simpler 'how to's, even grading job difficulty with one to five spanner symbols. The book is also liberally spattered in 'Haynes hints' some repeated often, but all useful to beginners and others as well.

One intensely irritating feature: all has changed to metric measurements now, not a inch-thou in sight, except puzzlingly, torque settings in Nm and lb/ft. Even the tyre pressures are only in bar readings!

The previously 'added-in afterthought' updates, at the end of the old book, have now been properly merged into the text at the correct points, although 'change point' dates for mechanical information are not often indicated, which would have been useful.

Section Contents:

Living with your Mini (22pp)

Intro, Safety - Sensible precautions in general; including airbags (now in) and diesel(not!)
Roadside Repairs - Practical basics, plus how to change a wheel
Weekly Checks - More basics, clearly shown, and with useful underbonnet photos identifying where to find things

Maintenance

Routine servicing and Schedule - Full service recommendations and how-tos for 3,6,12 and 24,000 mile services. Also include useful pictures of the undersides of front and back, identifying main parts clearly, as well as many other phots and drawings.

Repairs and overhaul

all with detailed tech specifications at the start of each section.

Engine and Associated Systems

Engine in-car (14pp) - What things can be done with just the bonnet open; eg cylinder head, etc.
Engine Removal and overhaul (22pp) - These two sections are as comprehensive and useful as before, with additional advice. All aspects of a complete engine strip-down and overhaul are shown. However , many illustrations have been omitted in this latest editiion which would have remained helpful. The total pagecount on engines has reduced from 66 to 44 with these changes. One notable change is the recommendation to use Plastigauge to check crank and big-end bearing clearances.
Cooling, heating and ventilation (9pp) - This now covers all three heater types, although the Canadian specials have disappeared.
Fuel Systems - carburettor (20pp) - Covers all carburettor types ever used.
Fuel Systems - fuel injection system (10pp) - For the first time, comprehensive info on the injection system,(Not setup details, though - Rover Dealer) It does not cover the 1996 version announced in October.
Exhaust and emission control (8pp)
Starting and charging (8pp) - Reduced in content, with many drawings and diagrams gone. You are just expected to swap 'em, now...Not as good.
Ignition (17pp) - Includes electronic ignition

Transmission

Clutch (9pp)
Manual transmission (7pp) - This is perhaps the biggest change in the book. No longer is the home mechanic expected to overhaul his own gearbox or check the differential, NOR IS ANY OF THIS INFORMATION INCLUDED. "Have your unit overhauled, or obtain an exchange unit". A great pity, and a serious loss for many home restorers.
Automatic transmission (5pp)
Driveshafts (8pp)

Brakes and Suspension

Braking system (18pp) - Clearly covers all four types of master cylinders, plus comprehensive detail right back to front drum brakes
Suspension and steering (20pp) - Includes the full info on the dreaded rear subframe replacement

Body Equipment

Bodywork and fittings (13pp)
Body electrical system(17pp) - Did you know that the first cars had two fuses, and the latest no less than 24? The price of progress..
Wiring diagrams (28pp)

Reference (23pp)

Dimensions
Conversion factors
Buying spares
Vehicle identification
Jacking and support
Radio/cassette precautions
Tools and facilities
MOT checks - A basic UK legal requirement for older cars; this shows a checklist and pictures of the points covered.
Fault finding
General repair procedures
Glossary - From EGR valves to MacPherson struts (not used by Minis at all!)
Index

Verdict:

Still the best all-round repair manual available for the Mini. If you havent got one,and you are doing any of your own servicing, buy one right away.

A genuine effort to upgrade this manual, and essential reading for any Mini interested owner, with many improvements. Comprehensively updated and often clearer to read and understand than previously. But it maintains its unique Haynesisms, though; several misprints, some measurement inaccuracies, and now almost only metric, (which is not much cop if you have an old one).

The major difference however, is the loss of the gearbox and differential stripdown detail. None is shown at all, which will be a problem for some users, especially overseas.. Although understandable (how many buyers of this manual have actually done their own?) it now lacks that aura of completeness which was always there previously.

Reviewed by Greg Fripp

Greg Fripp

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