Note the official title of this book appears to be: Mini Cooper Service Guide: The Total Guide to Mini Maintenance.
Covers: All Minis 1959-95, except turbo and fuel injection models.
This book clearly sets its aims in the title: it is to assist its readers to carry out routine servicing in a clear and comprehensive manner. First impressions are good. All the photos and diagrams are clear (better than Haynes), layout is straightforward, and the author and his team are obviously experienced as both mechanics and in what the reader is likely to need - not surprising, as they all used to work at Haynes....
Contents
IntroductionUsing this book
Chapter 1 - Safety (4pp)
A sensible approach to a 'boring' item; but well thought out, up-to-date, and with a very sensible piece about the dangers of fluoroelastomers - a nasty name for a modern hazard which is far more dangerous than many are aware. (Burnt plastics can go straight through skin and bone!)Chapter 2 - Buying Spares (3pp)
An outline of the ways to buy parts in the UK, with a useful guide to which secondhand ones.Chapter 3 - Servicing (60pp)
The bulk of the book, it takes the reader through all servicing necessary to complete full checks on their car from 500 to 36,000 miles. There is a useful starter on how to safely work on a Mini, both on axle stands and ramps, with clear pictures. Each series of jobs to be done are in a logical order; under the bonnet, around the car, then underneath. This gives a chance to plan things easily; which is certainly helped by the clear and comprehensive discription of each job with copious pictures and drawings . When necessary, they are accompanied by useful ' Insider ' tips to help - I learned a couple of useful things, anyway. The Guide also clearly states those problems or items which are beyond the scope of the home mechanic; or safety related items that should be checked by experienced eyes, and expects only a very low level of expertise to start with - very helpful for the novice, who should be able to find their way through this Manual without too much worry.
It also covers emissions equipment on Japanese and other export vehicles, too.Chapter 4 - Repairing Bodywork Blemishes (4pp)
A basic guide to filling and painting up small dents and gashes.Chapter 5 - Rustproofing (4pp)
A useful look at how to thoroughly rustproof a Mini - including materials and all the necessary spots where rustproofer should be applied, in a comprehensive manner.Chapter 6 - Fault Finding (4pp)
A 'by numbers' approach to al the common problems and how to check them.Chapter 7 - Getting through the MOT (10pp)
Shows all the basic checks that can be made by the owner prior to the annual UK Government roadworthyness test, with some useful tips on extra emission problems, with specific reference to regulations that can assist with some Mini models. Still useful for overseas readers as a basic safety check.Chapter 8 - Facts and Figures (5pp)
All necessary info from VIN numbers to torque settings and capacities.Chapter 9 - Tools and Equipment (3pp)
Suggests basic necessary kit.Appendix 1
A good old Castrol lubrication guide, with what lubes to use where.Glossary
American to English and conversion data.Specialists and Suppliers
Not much use, really; too short.Appendix 4 (18pp) - Service History
Not a bad idea - lists each Service and job to be ticked, with extra space for lists of parts purchased, etc. Could be useful both as a checklist, and if you go to sell the car.
Verdict: Probably the best manual for the beginner and the owner who just wants to keep his car properly maintained. Although UK-oriented, owners in all countries would find it worthwhile for thorough servicing. It's clear and understandable, and you can learn as you go through each job in turn. There are no frightening diagrams of exploded engines, but practical advice and a thorough listing of all thats necessary to keep your car on the road. The rustproofing piece is also helpful; and the nice style with clear demonstrations should keep every owner of a Mini (and his car) safe and happy.
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Copyright © 1997, Greg Fripp - validated (3.2s)