18 replies to this topic

[998kid]

So I have a 1330 bill Richards engine in my estate
The problem is that when I pour in water and check underneath, it is just running out as fast as I put it in which I'd assume would be a split hose

However 2 months ago before fast show I did an oil and filter change, but since then the rocker cover is looking a little mayo-ey and after the car had no water in so didn't start it I checked the dipstick and had no oil in the car at all

The water doesn't appear to be a big problem as if it's a split hose i can just replace it but I am concerned about the loss of the oil

Anyone have any idea?

Thanks
Josh

[cal844]

Fill the engine with oil, isolate/ repair the leak

[Stu.]

It could be lots of things. A leaking oil seal, a leaking gasket. Is it burning oil?

 

A small amount of mayo may just be condensation in the rocker cover. A lot might mean a blown gasket. Any loss of power? Have you done a compression test? 

 

It might be worth getting the engine cleaned as best you can, filling to correct level with new oil and running it to see if you can see where it might be leaking from.

[cal844]

The levels MUST be checked once a week at a minimum!

[998kid]

Should say it had a bit of smoke too under heavy acceleration
I haven't done a compression test as have no idea how to, but will research a how to and get one done

I haven't spotted any major leaks other than the obvious water problem

[KernowCooper]

How many miles were covered to burn all the oil off the stick?

[998kid]

No more than a thousand miles. I drove from rm14 to Santa pod and back and then a few other journeys but none more than 30 miles at a time

[KernowCooper]

If most Minis did a thousand miles they would see a reduction on the dipstick due to the design of the engine, so what did it take to bring it back up to the mark ? 2 litres - 500miles to the litre not excessive

[998kid]

I haven't done anything to it since the water issue
So don't know yet
But if that is the issue then that would be awesome as I'm more worried about oil dissappearing than the water leak

[johnR]

What colour is the smoke? - if it's white this tends to suggest head gasket failure

 

John

[998kid]

I haven't been able to see the smoke I just know that it's there as can see it against people's headlights behind me
I will buy a new gasket set and then check hoses etc for leaks

I take it a 1275 gasket would suffice?

[cal844]

Use a BK450 gasket :)

[998kid]

Will do :) thanks a lot
Need to get it trailered back to my dads so I can do the work within 3 weeks. And a week of that I'm away!

[ChopperHarris]

Why trailered? Split hose/bypass/thermostat can all be done in a couple of hours roadside. Why buy a gasket set?

[Carlos W]

Before changing the head gasket, do a compression check to see if it needs changing