17 replies to this topic

[paulrockliffe]

I've got a few leaks.  I did a cursory inspection a few days ago and thought it was the gearbox rod selector that was leaking, so I bought the seal kit for that and put the car on axle stands to sort it out.  At that point I was able to have a proper inspection under the car and now think my leak(s) are more substantial than that.  I've attached a few pics, it looks like I'm losing oil from the drive shaft pot joints (Is that what they're called?)

 

But there's oil everywhere, if it was leaking here would the oil get plastered everywhere or do I have more issues?  Are these all easy leaks to fix?  I've never had the drive shafts out, so some advice on replacing those seals would be useful!

 

Anyway, some pics:

 

Rocker cover:

 

DSC_0754 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flickr

 

Oil pressure and filter return:

 

DSC_0755 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flickr

 

 

Pattern of drips under the car:

 

DSC_0756 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flickr

 

Under the clutch:

 

DSC_0758 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flickr

 

Gearbox rod selector:

 

DSC_0760 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flickr

 

Differential cover:

 

DSC_0761 by Paul Rockliffe, on Flick

 

Advice great fully received!

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[dyshipfakta]

Unless the rod seal was changed yesterday it probably is leaking so still worth changing lol

[wile e coyote]

I'm a bit mystified as to how oil would come out of the rocker cover but it is the breather type so unless it's overspill from filling then just replace it.

 

The leak from the block to oil filter head pipe could just need tightening up..

 

Gearbox oil seal you've dealt with - easy fix...

 

But it does appear that perhaps your driveshaft oil seals are leaking - you'll need to drain your oil, remove calipers (don't need disconnecting from hyrauilcs) and  pop the hubs (top & bottom balljoints and trackrod end - when free  ..and I'll get flamed here no doubt - get a large headed prybar and pry against a bit of scrap timber gently but firmly - pot joints will gently release once spring clip tension overcome. Remove the hub,  driveshaft and joint as a single unit  (worth inspecting it at this point as best time to renew joint boots etc).

 

Undo joint cover plates and remove..... seal can be pried out and refitted with a suitable size socket as a drift...... - word of warning when refitting the gaskets currently supplied do need a little trimming on reassembly as often a lube channel is obscured or obstructed.......

 

It's far easier than it sounds and doesn't take too long!

[wile e coyote]

oh and yes leaking pot joint seals will by simple expedient of centrifugal force spatter oil everywhere!

[pickuptruck1994]

It looks like you got a fractured pipe from the oil filter house back to the block or is that just dirt build up on the pipe. Rocker cover probably down to filling. Gearbox rod seal and drive shaft seals/ diff casing gaskets need doing.

[sledgehammer]

Check the vents are clear & piped correctly

 

otherwise you will be chasing your tail

 

if the vents are blocked / restricted / piped wrong , then crank case pressure will force oil out every where

 

even the filler cap

[1984mini25]

Check the vents are clear & piped correctly

 

if the vents are blocked / restricted / piped wrong , then crank case pressure will force oil out every where

 

Looking at the first pic it seams to have those k&n style breather filers, and the breather take-off on the carb blocked off with a bolt....

[paulrockliffe]

Unless the rod seal was changed yesterday it probably is leaking so still worth changing lol

Ironically, despite the gaiter thing being completely perished, I don't think it is leaking.  I'll change it anyway though.

[paulrockliffe]

It looks like you got a fractured pipe from the oil filter house back to the block or is that just dirt build up on the pipe. Rocker cover probably down to filling. Gearbox rod seal and drive shaft seals/ diff casing gaskets need doing.

 

I hadn't noticed that, but I cleaned it up tonight and got proper light to it and it is just dirt.

 

I checked the oil level - I've not put any in - and it's a fraction below the minimum, so I wouldn't think that would lead to leaking.

[cal844]

It looks like you got a fractured pipe from the oil filter house back to the block or is that just dirt build up on the pipe. Rocker cover probably down to filling. Gearbox rod seal and drive shaft seals/ diff casing gaskets need doing.

 
I hadn't noticed that, but I cleaned it up tonight and got proper light to it and it is just dirt.
 
I checked the oil level - I've not put any in - and it's a fraction below the minimum, so I wouldn't think that would lead to leaking.

You'll need to add at least half a litre of oil then ;)

[paulrockliffe]

Check the vents are clear & piped correctly

 

otherwise you will be chasing your tail

 

if the vents are blocked / restricted / piped wrong , then crank case pressure will force oil out every where

 

even the filler cap

As far as I can see, the venting should be OK.  It does have those little K&N type things on - Are they pointless? - but it's got the proper breather canister things on.  It's not plumbed into the carb, but that shouldn't matter should it?  If I start the engine I should be able to feel pressure if I put my thumb over the canister right?

[paulrockliffe]

 

 

It looks like you got a fractured pipe from the oil filter house back to the block or is that just dirt build up on the pipe. Rocker cover probably down to filling. Gearbox rod seal and drive shaft seals/ diff casing gaskets need doing.

 
I hadn't noticed that, but I cleaned it up tonight and got proper light to it and it is just dirt.
 
I checked the oil level - I've not put any in - and it's a fraction below the minimum, so I wouldn't think that would lead to leaking.

You'll need to add at least half a litre of oil then ;)

 

I know, I need to google what the right oil is as I've forgotten, check whether Halfords still do their historic oil that I used with my last Mini, then buy some.  I'm going to change the oil anyway as I've no idea when it was last done and it looks like I'll need to drain it down to sort some of the leaks anyway.

[wile e coyote]

I'd stick some cheapo Wilko 20W50 mineral in for the time being (£10 for 5l) when you've sorted the leaks refill with quality stuff.....

[tiger99]

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put cheap oil in your valuable classic car! It will cost you very dear later.

[Richie83]

If the pipe is leaking you can replace it with the more modern braided hose and fittings. If it were me I'd be giving the whole engine a good clean and then watch for leaks.