11 replies to this topic

[sarah g]

hi, I own a '85' mini mayfair 998. I recently replaced the radiator cap as the old one wasn't sealing, fitted a newer model heater (from a 90's model mini) and replaced the coolant. I took the car for a drive and noticed white smoke after about 10 mins. I checked under the bonnet and noticed a small wet patch at the head gasket. I've also noticed a lot of oil leaking from the dipstick, does that mean back pressure? Is that because of the blown head gasket or does it mean worn piston rings?

[rick.spi]

ahh... so many people blowing there head gaskets at the moment , sounds like a head gasket to me.

[Jordie]

Maybe not.

Rocker cover gasket ? - Seepage here, may run down the head and gather in the small flat surfaces and gaps. This may then look like the oil as come from the head gasket area.

Also regarding the dipstick, perhaps the seal on the dipstick is worn or the dipstick as not be located correctly/snuggly in the dipstick hole. A new dipstick might fix the leakage there.

[jaydee]

Is there any water in oil? Whats your temperature like? Any strange noise coming from the engine?
Oil leaking from the dipstick sounds like an excessive pressure..but thats a bit strange as there isnt a great pressure there. Have you overfilled oil?

[998dave]

blocked crankcase breather?

[mike.]

My 998 did this when the piston rings went. i.e. High crankcase pressure was forcing oil out through every hole.

As above, check your breathers are clear...

[sarah g]

The oil level is sitting a little below max, dipstick seal looks newish and fits snug. The breather does look blocked maybe thats the problem. The temperature would sit just below the half mark in traffic and wouldn't go any higher, valve clearances need set, well I hope that's what the tapping noise is.

[Beats]

Is the 'white smoke' coming out of the exhaust or do you mean steam from the engine bay?

Beats

[sarah g]

White smoke is coming from the exhaust, replacing the head gasket with a copper one I've heard they're better.

[jaydee]

Yes, copper gaskets are better.
If you get a peyen one, ensure its UK made as there was a recall recently on some defective items produced in belgium and south africa.

Edited by jaydee, 29 July 2009 - 01:28 PM.

[bmcecosse]

Engine hot and idling - take the oil filler cap off. Is there a 'plume' of smoke/fume ? If so - rings/pistons/bores are knackered. Otherwise - as others have suggested - make sure the breathers are clear. It's very unlikely to be anything to do with the head gasket!

[Phaeton]

Can you get dipstick seals still, Minispares & PLMinis don't list them anymore, I have oil coming out of there so would like to try a new seal.

Alan...

Edited by Phaeton, 03 August 2009 - 09:21 PM.