2 replies to this topic

[Black.Ghost]

So I changed the battery on my mini today, a 1.3 SPi Cooper. When I turned the car off, I noticed something coming from under the bonnet so I opened it up. Not obvious, so I started the car again. It looks like it was coming from the back of the engine. The engine was still cold so it wasn't burning anything. Oil pressure is up at maximum and it wasn't cooling fluid. My thought is that it was exhaust gases, so I took off the air filter to try and get a better look. It definitely seems to be coming from the exhaust manifold area, possibly from the sensor that is plugged in to the manifold that I guess measures emissions or something. 

 

The car sounds like it is running fine, and I will try and upload a video is a second. 

 

Is it going to be ok to drive around 130 miles in it later? I was planning on taking it up to work with me for the week. Then I can use the time to have a closer look at it as well. Thinking back, there have been one or two times when I have noticed something escaping from under the bonnet but couldn't find anything at all. In addition, I have had to open a window once or twice as well so I think some of the fumes may have got into the car. 

 

Is the valve into the exhaust manifold a known area for leaking gases etc? I guess it could be a whole in the manifold somewhere. I don't think it is leaking from the manifold and head as it seemed to be coming from deeper down. 

 

So any thoughts? Thanks in advance. 

[Fast Ivan]

the sensor in the manifold is the lambda sensor

if you've not spilt anything down there then I would be looking for leaks, the manifold gasket being one, the lambda I guess could be loose and there is another joint further down.

you just gonna have to look, listen and feel (when cold!!)

Does it sound like its blowing?

[Black.Ghost]

Not really but it's quite loud. Maybe a little when going slower and put your foot down.

I don't know if it's related but I broke down this morning. Car was stuttering between 2 and 3 k, after 3k it was fine. Got to work gates and it died and wouldn't start. Pushed it in and parked up and then it started and was ok for a few seconds and then the idle dropped again. I caught it before it cut out so I need to look at that later.