8 replies to this topic

[f10054]

hi need help bought my son a mini brittish open 1275 nearly a year ago for his first car , its done about 50miles in nearly a year, as it sits about for a long time its getting fuel in the engine oil , it now has a bad oil leak with fuel in it , smells of fuel , also has clouds of smoke , what is causing this , is it just because its not getting used or something else, help !

[Carlos W]

Has it got a mechanical fuel pump?

 

If so, it is possible the seal has gone.

[f10054]

to be honest i am not sure but think it has, will check this out , thanks

[cal844]

Chase the fuel inlet pipe, it should stop at the pump on the rad side of the engine!

[Stevie W]

Hi,

As mentioned, if it has a mechanical fuel pump attached to the block down the back of the engine, the rubber diaphragm inside the pump can split or perish. This then allows fuel to leak into the engine oil and thin it out.

This can cause oil leaks, but without wishing to startle you, it also makes the car potentially dangerous to drive because of the amount of fuel in the oil. You could possibly end up igniting the fuel/oil mix and cause a "sump explosion" with dire consequences to the engine & gearbox.

It's strongly advisable to get this sorted ASAP and once the pump had been replaced, carry out an oil & filter change!

Cheers, Steve.

[Carlos W]

The other issue is, the thinned oil can cause bearing damage etc

[Stevie W]

The other issue is, the thinned oil can cause bearing damage etc

Very true Carlos....forgot to mention that bit!!!!

[Midas Mk1]

I had this, fuel pump was shot as per above.

[f10054]

thanks guys , will get on it and change fuel pump, oil and filter , many thanks,