Servicing checks

We have to admit we hit a couple of minor head-scratchers this month on our project MINI. Nothing disastrous, but merely evidence that you never stop learning. Take the Bosch spark plugs we’ve fitted to the N14 1.6-litre turbocharged engine for our Cooper S. Most spark plugs require a 16mm or 21mm spark plug socket to undo and fit them, although there are some that require a slim 14mm socket. Not so on our MINI. We found a 15mm multi-hex deep socket was the only tool to fit, and with the plugs set deep inside the top of the engine, we were a little nervous as to whether we could extract them without a suitable spark plug socket that has a rubber bung inside to grip the plug. Luckily, a magnetic pick-up tool came to the rescue and we also found a length of rubber hose with an 8mm insidediameter can lift a plug out – the hose was used to refit each new plug and start threading it into the cylinder-head.

Fresh air

The pollen filter had us stretching our back muscles to be able to reach inside the passenger footwell, prise a plastic cover open and extract the old filter. The filter is fitted at an equally awkward angle, turning