8 replies to this topic

[Lucifer-smells-icky]

Hiya all:)

Im new here but havent introduced myself or Brumski properly yet, so ill pop and do that in a sec.

Im the proud owner of a 1989 mini mayfair, when we went to pick her up i checked the guys garage and driveway for leaks and there wasnt a single one, or any sign of a clear up from one. We brought her home and within two days there is now a cd sized leak under the car, i presume its oil as i checked the haines manual as i know nothing about cars and it says it coming from the oil filter? is this a big problem?

My friend has a nosey at eat and tightened something and it stopped for a day but has started again, she isnt being driven at the moment, other than turning her over every night.

Should i be worried? ive heard minis leak?

Thanks all Lucy and Brumski

[Big_Adam]

yes, mini leak. hell if mine stopped i'd be worried. check the oil level see if thats plumeting down. if so then its a big problem. wouldn't think the filter itself was leaking. they should be replaced with the oil every 6 months or 6000 mile.....somthing like that. filters are only 5-10 squid so you can replace it cheap.

wipe everything down a bit then check for the leak again. if the engine is sort of clean you may be able to follow a little trail of oil back to its source. that what i did when i kept finding my sump coved in oil. cleaned it up and wated for the leak. also left some news paper under the car to help with leak location. then found the spot were the leak was followed the line of oil and found my leak.

edit,

Also welcome to the forum.

Edited by Big_Adam, 10 August 2006 - 12:33 PM.

[Jammy]

Unless its an auto, in which case you should replace filter and oil every 6 months or 3000 miles! I think its 12 months or 6000 miles for a manual!

As Ads said, wipe the engine down, put some cardboard under the engine, then run the engine for about 15 minutes. This should allow you to have a good look around the engine to see where exactly its coming from.

I suspect its going from the join between the engine block and the oil filter housing, in which case its easy enough to replace the gasket.

While your at it you may as well replace the filter (and oil), use a proper replacement filter, not a cheapo replacement.

[Lucifer-smells-icky]

Thanks for replying,

I just asked me mate what he tightened and he said it was the sump plug....(he might as well have said oggly boogly woogles it would have sounded the same )

We put some cardboard under and it seemed to have stopped, but then i checked again and leak was back, ill try running her tonight and have a look.

It kinda feels like when you go and pick the cutest most charming puppy, untill you get it home and it dumps a huge cleveland steamer on your carpet seconds after you walk through the door.

I think my mini is secretly laughing, thinking look what you've got yourself in for muwhahhahaha.

I still love her though

[Dan]

filters are only 5-10 squid

My god, where do you buy oil filters Adam? Are they made of gold or something?

[minivanman]

leaks are a crucial part of a mini's charm. in case you manage to stop it, carry an oil can and give it a squib under the engine when you stop, so people can see its genuine. does it seem to be coming from the front or back of the engine? could be the gear selector seal?

[clarks.2006]

Mine doesn't have 1 leak on my engine Good job it was tottaly stripped down and every seal was changed eh! lol I would do as the people have already said also if its coming from the oil filter tighten it up and the problem should dissapear lol.

[davexdavexdave]

both my minis leak a but i just make sure they both have enough oil in them every now and again and forget bout it. tis not a problen more of a charm

[Jeansie]

My Mini has a slight leak too, you can't take it anywhere because it wants to mark it's territory

My local dealership also can't find out exactly where the leak is coming from, but it doesn't cause a problem as long as you remember to top it up occasionally. Depends how big the leak is though, CD sized is a bit worrying, mine just has the occasional drip, but to form a puddle that sounds like some of the seals may need checking?