13 replies to this topic

[Minidude7]

Hello everyone,

I have noticed a big oil leak in my mini and after some looking noticed that the plastic oil pressure line has melted on something and the split in two,

Does anyone know of a simple way to reconnect them that will work under pressures the car creates?? Or will I have to buy a new line?? Quick fixes would be most appreciated...

Thanks
Rob

[Ethel]

An oil gauge line? just a simple barbed hose connector should do, It may be a decent amount of pressure but the area it's applied to is tiny.

[Minidude7]

Yeah it is... Thanks Ethal, just wondered if anyone knew the diameter I would need as I can't get to my mini at the moment to measure it...

[Ethel]

I think the factory one is just 1/8" but it's rubber, not plastic and connects to a metal pipe above the clutch. yours sounds like an aftermarket gauge so have google, especially if you know the make.

[Minidude7]

It a very thin nylon pipe that connects from the main block and on the the back of the oil pressure gauge on the back of the centre binnacle...

[Ethel]

You may well buy some pipe cheaper/easier than a connector

[Craig89]

If it's the one from minispares then its like a nylon air hose, unsure of diameter but something like this is what you want:

http://www.amazon.co...edir_mdp_mobile

[Scott@minispeed]

If you are after a quick get you back on the road in the fastest way type fix then remove the T-Piece from the block, remove the oil warning light switch from the T-Piece and put it directly into the block. Your car will stop leaking oil and your oil light will work but your gauge will not until you replace the pipe.

 

Don't bother trying to repair the nylon pipe they are very cheap and the risks of a botched repair going wrong are pretty high. Just buy a new pipe and fit it all back when you get a chance.

[Minidude7]

Thanks everyone, I intend to buy a new one long term but needed a quick fix to last me a few days until it arrives... Would heat shrink tubing around the two ends to hold them together not work for now??

[Craig89]

No. As a quick fix do as above, remove and put the oil pressure switch into the block

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

both these are Bad  tips but will work

fold the end of the pipe and use mole grips to hold flat

on the motor side 

if the mole grips fall of you will lose all your oil

and trash the motor 

 

undo the pipe at the motor and find a small

ball bearing that is a bit bigger than the inside diameter

of the pipe and screw the pipe back on

check for leak

 

keep fingers crossed 

[Twincam]

Without causing any more issues, I'd just do what Minispeed said... It's fast, guaranteed to work and is safest as you won't be losing any oil AND you still have the opportunity to know whether you have low oil pressure (by screwing the switch in instead of switch and t-piece)

[dklawson]

This is one more vote for screwing the pressure warning switch directly into the block until you buy a new oil line kit.

 

If you don't have a switch and are only running the pressure gauge go to the home center and buy a 1/8" pipe plug.  Remove your oil line adapter from the block and replace it with the plug.

 

Long term, buy a new oil line kit.  The nylon kits have problems as you have just experienced.  There are also nice OEM kits, braided steel hose kits, and copper tubing kits.  The copper line kit is a compromise that is more reliable than nylon for only a little more money.  When using copper, remember that you must loop the excess copper tubing into "spring coils" between the engine block and firewall.  The loops in the copper tubing absorb engine vibration and motion so the tube does not fatigue too quickly.

[Minidude7]

I completed as MiniSpeed stated and ordered a new line for replacement!! Cheers everyone for the help