4 replies to this topic

[Cooper Mac]

So, we were on our way down south this morning, on our way down to Beaulieu….. we got about 15 miles from home and then sat in a queue for roadworks. We eventually got moving, but then could smell burning oil…….

I pulled over and thought it might be coming from the exhaust, but then realised there was oil dripping from both sides of the engine.

When opening the bonnet, I could see oil down the back of the engine, on the top of the fuel pump and on top of the rear subframe lip, as well as all down the exhaust! I thought it was coming from the head, but then realised there wasn’t any oil in the radiator, and there wasn’t mayo in the rocker cover.

Having a look around the driveshafts, between the diff and the pot joint, there was oil that appears to be coming from both.

The engine and gearbox had a full rebuild 500 miles ago, and the pot joints are new. I was careful when I fitted the pot joints and put some rubber grease on the pot joints when I assembled them, so as not to damage them.

Thinking back to earlier in the week, there was a spot of oil on the floor in about the location of the O/S pot joint…….

Does this sound like it is the seals that have gone, and why would they both go together, or did one go and just spray oil everywhere?

I didn’t get time to check, as I put the Mini back in the garage and jumped in the everyday car in order to get to Beaulieu. At least I can get some more seals from the show………

[nicklouse]

Rocker cover gasket. 

[Cooper Mac]

Problem solved!

It turns out that the pipe to the Oil Pressure Gauge had a small hole in it, and was spraying downwards onto the N/S pot joint, but also onto the exhaust manifold!!

I’ve now ordered a braided pipe to replace it, and removed the dashboard and old pipe, ready to fit the new one!

[Ethel]

Had that once, amazing how much mess it can make! The windscreen looked like it was on a downed Messerschmitt over Biggin Hill. 

[mbolt998]

I had that too. I thought the diff seals were leaking as well. But now I'm wondering again if maybe they never were. Huge puddle of oil on the floor though.