11 replies to this topic

[chris29]

It's probably something really simple but I have quite a bad oil leak (oil dripping every 30 seconds or so), I can't for the life of me work out where it is coming from but there is oil dripping off the center of the bottom of the engine.

My first thoughts were the rocker cover and cork gasket which I replaced but it still hasn't stopped. Any other common gaskets that leak or places where oil tends to come from. Any help would be appreciated as I am close to giving up and taking down to a garage.

Thanks in advance 8)

[Skortchio]

Get a sizable amount of brake cleaner (personal favourite), gunk, degreasent or other heavy duty cleaning product and clean all around where you think it might be coming from. Then run the engine and follow the trail :)

[R1minimagic]

Probably from the gear change linkage where it enters the box or driveshaft oil seal....

[chris29]

Thanks, I will get scrubbing then!!! Ill pay extra attention to the linkage. Does it help that it also leaks when the engine isn't running?

[R1minimagic]

Thanks, I will get scrubbing then!!! Ill pay extra attention to the linkage. Does it help that it also leaks when the engine isn't running?

Not really no, check your breathers are not blocked as that wont help either

[bmcecosse]

What use do you think a 'garage' will be ??? All they will do is empty your wallet! Get cleaning and track the leak down.....

[brad-the-bear]

What use do you think a 'garage' will be ??? All they will do is empty your wallet! Get cleaning and track the leak down.....

not all garages are the same technicians like myself take pride in the work we do. we don't just put the car on a ramp and sit thinking of ways to rip customers off.

[Doz1971]

Gearchange oil seal ? ... oh the anti-corrosion system ...!

[Big_Adam]

This leak while running or not?

If its all the time, its down low (gear box area / shifter bit), if it only happens while running then that would say to me its higher up (tappet chest, fuel pump gasket etc)

[freshairmini]

This leak while running or not?

If its all the time, its down low (gear box area / shifter bit), if it only happens while running then that would say to me its higher up (tappet chest, fuel pump gasket etc)

It's probably something really simple but I have quite a bad oil leak (oil dripping every 30 seconds or so), I can't for the life of me work out where it is coming from but there is oil dripping off the center of the bottom of the engine.

My first thoughts were the rocker cover and cork gasket which I replaced but it still hasn't stopped. Any other common gaskets that leak or places where oil tends to come from. Any help would be appreciated as I am close to giving up and taking down to a garage.

Thanks in advance 8)

Thanks, I will get scrubbing then!!! Ill pay extra attention to the linkage. Does it help that it also leaks when the engine isn't running?

[Big_Adam]

Yup yep, I'm dense. I'll go in the corner now and drink my coco.

[MiniAbbott1993]

Check your gear change going into the gearbox, they tent to get grit etc thrown onto them and as you change gear, it gets in the seal and ruins it.
Mini spares do a repair/replacement kit for a reasonable price that comes with a gaiter to protect the rod from grit in future.

http://www.minispare...ch/classic/seal

Also as other above have stated, get under the car and clean all over the gearbox (Bottom and sides) as well as the back of the engine with a good degreasing spray, cloth and an old toothbrush.
After that you should be able to trace where your leak is coming from.
Its not just the rocker cover that has a cork gasket either. The tappet cover plates round the back of the engine also have these gaskets so its a possibility.
Normally if I change a gasket I run a thin bead line of Hylomar around the sealing edge to ensure a greater seal.
Goodluck in your search!

Edited by MiniAbbott1993, 04 October 2012 - 12:11 PM.