The Mini Library Reviews...

Mini MkII Handbook

These factory-produced booklets provided Mini buyers with an introduction to their car and it's respective components 'together with information on the care and periodic maintenance required for trouble-free motoring with minimal running costs'. Divided into two main sections, the first 20 pp. ('Introduction to the car') describe the features of the UK Mk 2 Mini, with the remainder of the booklet entitled 'Care of the Car'.

Introduction to the Car

Controls: labelled diagrams show pedals, gear positions;

Instruments and switches: where each switch, gauge, needle, lens etc is located on the steering column, in the instrument fascia, or beneath the parcel shelf, including what each does/shows;

Running instructions: basic instructions from filling with fuel to starting, warming up and running in, with notes on warning lights and gauge levels expected;

Automatic transmission: 3 pp. of detailed instructions on the mysteries of a torque converter and how to drive with an automatic transmission. Tips on parking, towing and emergency starting are included;

Heating and ventilating: This is the one where pushing the right hand knob fully 'IN' give maximum circulation through the heater. Otherwise, there is a choice of 'car', 'screen' or 'off'. Features appear to be UK-model specific;

Body and fittings: Again, UK-specific features (e.g. sliding windows vs. wind-ups in Oz from 1965). Gives details of handles, winders, latches, etc for the various '68 models;

Seats and seat belts: standard instructions on care and maintenance of static and retractable belts.

Care of the Car

Cleaning: How and when to clean the body (regularly!), bright trim (don't use metal polish!), interior, and exterior woodwork;

Cooling system: Tips on maintaining, draining, refilling....with a detailed section on frost precautions.... how much antif-freeze is required for a given freezing temperature....a whole new world for an Oz Miniac to read that 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze commences to freeze at -36 oC (-33 oF).. people drive Mini's at that temperature??

Wheels and tyres: I discovered here that the Countryman, Traveller, Van and Pickup in the UK had a different jack and jacking method from the Saloon. Clearly illustrated methods of how to change wheels, how to locate the spare (!), how to rotate wheels, care for tyres, and (good 'ole days!) get a tyre off a rim;

Brakes: Clearly explained symptoms of and remedies for braking problems, including sketches of location of adjusters, and recommended change points for brake fluid (18 mo., 24,000 miles, 40,000 km). Hoses and seals are recommended to be renewed, if necessary, every 3 years or 40,000 miles (65,000 km).

Electrical: Basic battery maintenance; explanation of where the fuses are and what auxiliary units they protect (how many Mini owners are ignorant of this??). A third fuse in UK Min's was in line behind the wash bottle, protecting the side and tail-light circuit...missing from Oz Min's. 3 pp. of descriptions of the warning lights, some specific to UK models, also a note that some models did not have the oil filter switch, so the amber lens in the speedo actually was without a pilot globe. A table also gives the wattage and part number of each 14 possible globes for LHD and RHD cars. This comprehensive section concludes with tips on wiper motor, fuel pump, voltage regulator, starter, alternator;

Wiring Diagrams: Three provided...alternator circuit, and separate diagrams for 1) Super Deluxe, Countryman and Traveller, and 2) Saloon, Van, Pickup.

Ignition: Clues on static timing, how to find the timing marks on the flywheel, setting spark plug gaps, setting points, adjusting and maintaining the distributor;

Clutch: Brief pointers on clutch adjustment and maintaining fluid levels in the brake/clutch master cylinders;

Carburetter: Describes lubrication of the SU carburetter, and how to adjust the mixture for optimum running;

Engine/transmission: How to check valve rocker clearances, manual and auto transmission oil, oil filter;

Steering/suspension: Advises owners not to fiddle with the hydrolastic suspenion, and where and how to grease suspension points;

General Data: 850 & 998 engine specs, timing, point and plug gaps, carburetter type, needles, transmission and gearing, tyres, pressures, all vehicle dimensions, fuel, oil and water capacities, vehicle weights;

Maintenance Summary: 2 pp. checklist of what to do every 3,000, 6,000 and 12,000 miles;

BMC Service: UK-specific identification points...do not apply to, for example Australian-built Mk2's.
For interest, these are as follows:

Commission number: stamped on a plate fixed to the right-hand wing valence;
Car number: on a plate mounted between the radiator and left-hand wing valence;
Engine number: on a metal plate fixed to the right-hand side of the cylinder block;
Transmission casing assembly: stamped on the casing face just below starter motor;
Body number: stamped on a metal plate fixed to grille panel stiffener.

The BMC factory exchange unit scheme is described, whereby used engines, transmissions etc were exchanged for reconditioned units by BMC;

BMC Special Tuning parts: Advert for Stage 1 tuning kit from the Special Tuning Dept at Abingdon;

Lubrication: Schematic of car showing lubrication points, a page of lubrication frequency, and a page of recommended lubricants at a range of environmental conditions.

Verdict: Every Mini should have one! Probably did, but where have they all gone? These are the basic questions first-time Mini owners were/are likely to encounter, and now the subject of many postings to the MOWOG on the global mini-list (i.e. FAQ's). The dedicated long-term Miniac will be aware of everything covered here, certainly all is treated in much more detail in the BMC/Leyland or after-market service manuals. Nevertheless a useful component of (in this case) the UK Mk2 Mini's 'glovebox'.

Russ Shiel

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