8 replies to this topic

[Rubbershorts]

Hi everyone. Starter motor off for testing today and there is a little oil at the base of the opening. It wasn't fresh wet oil, it was quite dirty and dried on, probably built up over time. I've just wiped it off. Is it anything to be concerned about?

Cheers, Daz.

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[cal844]

Looks like it could be engine oil. That casing should (in an ideal world) be bone dry.



However I have seen worse! Is there any oil drips onto the floor, under that end of the engine?


All minis have this leak (if it ain't leaking there's no oil or it's a fresh build)

It will be the Primary Gear Oil Seal.

I'd be fitting a 3 piece clutch kit whilst you are in there.


Oil Seal link
https://www.minispar...c/LUF10005.aspx

Edited by cal844, 23 November 2024 - 07:47 PM.

[Rubbershorts]

Looks like it could be engine oil. That casing should (in an ideal world) be bone dry.



However I have seen worse! Is there any oil drips onto the floor, under that end of the engine?


All minis have this leak (if it ain't leaking there's no oil or it's a fresh build)

It will be the Primary Gear Oil Seal.

I'd be fitting a 3 piece clutch kit whilst you are in there.


Oil Seal link
https://www.minispar...c/LUF10005.aspx

Thanks Cal. I think that side is damp, but not enough to cause a drip. That starter motor hasn't been off for many years. I'll check it again in a while to see if it has accumulated in that spot again.

Probably not going to be going in there for a bit, my skills are slowly
Building but not to engine out just yet. What's the 3 piece clutch kit then? What have I got as a standard 1275, and what would be gained?

Edited by Rubbershorts, 23 November 2024 - 08:09 PM.

[cal844]

You can do the seal without removing the engine (but engine removal gives you space to deal with issues safely)

3 piece clutch is the friction plate, pressure plate and thrust (throw out) bearing.

I would use a 180mm size clutch (the 190mm is for late engines (1990 onwards), performance or fast road engines, as far as I know...)

[bpirie1000]

Could just be lubrication which came out the starter throwout

I would also suggest turn the flywheel make sure nomdamaged teeth on flywheel.

[absx2]

If the clutch isn`t juddering or slipping and there`s no oil dripping out of the bottom of the transfer case through the weep oil leave it alone and enjoy.

 

My daily drivers starter motor got replaced around 9 years and about 29000 miles ago, my case looked similar back then and probably does now.

 

Yes it will be a tiny bit of leakage from the seal which is inevitable over time or an enthusiastic over oiling of the starter but either way if it`s not causing a problem wait until the clutch wears out or a bigger engine job presents itself and as your mileage is probably minimal anyway hopefully that will be a long time.   

[Rubbershorts]

If the clutch isn`t juddering or slipping and there`s no oil dripping out of the bottom of the transfer case through the weep oil leave it alone and enjoy.
 
My daily drivers starter motor got replaced around 9 years and about 29000 miles ago, my case looked similar back then and probably does now.
 
Yes it will be a tiny bit of leakage from the seal which is inevitable over time or an enthusiastic over oiling of the starter but either way if it`s not causing a problem wait until the clutch wears out or a bigger engine job presents itself and as your mileage is probably minimal anyway hopefully that will be a long time.
Brilliant, cheers ab. Is there an actual weep hole engineered into the casing then?

[cal844]

If the clutch isn`t juddering or slipping and there`s no oil dripping out of the bottom of the transfer case through the weep oil leave it alone and enjoy.

My daily drivers starter motor got replaced around 9 years and about 29000 miles ago, my case looked similar back then and probably does now.

Yes it will be a tiny bit of leakage from the seal which is inevitable over time or an enthusiastic over oiling of the starter but either way if it`s not causing a problem wait until the clutch wears out or a bigger engine job presents itself and as your mileage is probably minimal anyway hopefully that will be a long time.
Brilliant, cheers ab. Is there an actual weep hole engineered into the casing then?

Yes there is a split pin through the casing that rattles around in a hole to allow any pooled oil to escape

[bpirie1000]

If the seal is going/gone it is usually reasonably evident..

Drips horsepower..