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Hello. Does anybody know why there is an aluminum plug located above the crank shaft? And what is its purpose?
The dealership called it a "freeze plug" and claimed that that's what the factory calls it - which is preposterous since there is NO antifreeze behind this plug. They also inform me that if this part leaks oil, the ENGINE must be replaced. (Yes, you read that right. NOT a typo).
Thank you, sir! The dealership didn't have a CLUE as to what that part was or how to reseal it. They just tapped it back in and it seems to be holding for now <knock on wood>.
You know....I've worked on all my own vehicles my entire life. I just replaced 6 of the 8 intake pushrods on my 1976 Ford Truck (long story). But now she runs great. With very little exception (like wheel alignments), I do all the work on all my vehicles - cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUV's. But I decided that I had reached a point in my life where I no longer wanted to work on a vehicle and I wanted something newer. So I found a 2011 Countryman S All4 a couple thousand under book and with low miles (74K) and purchased it. I decided I'd let the dealership (or other shops) do the work. $1800 later I remember WHY I do all my own work. I guess I'm going to have to learn the Mini and purchase some Mini-specific tools. Because I don't think I'm going to let these yahoos touch my Mini any more.
Aluminum plug above harmonic balance....
