16 replies to this topic

[TOMMO0302]

Hi All,

Had the mini running this morning for some time for the first time in a long time, its running sweet, except there seems to be a rather nasty oil leak. I have some pics and *think* i know where its coming from, but any confirmation and help in what needs to be done to fix it would be great.
 03_02_07_1028.jpg   191.15K   11 downloads  03_02_07_1029.jpg   294.43K   8 downloads

First pic is from beneath with NS pot joint at top of photo. 2nd pic is from above just to give it some perspective. There seems to be a number of bolts up there facing down towards the floor which i *think* is the source. Anyone and ideas?

Cheers

Edited by TOMMO0302, 03 February 2007 - 01:55 PM.

[minislapper]

Can't make much out from the pictures. Is it coming from just below the head? Or is it further down?

If it's a 998, are the tappet covers sealed properly?

[TOMMO0302]

Ooops, didnt mean to attach the last 3 photo's lol, that makes it seem MUCH worse than it actually is, as was unrelated to this leak. (So will remove them)

Its a 1275 A +, in the first pic, pretty much central to the photo (which is taken from the floor, pointing straight up) you can see a black circle, this is a bolt, likewise, the one just north west west of that. Thats where i think the oil is coming from, but are there any known problem areas for oil leaks that people know about in this area? If so, whats the solution i.e gasket? I dont just want to tighten them up and fubar the threads, but that may be all thats needed?

[TOMMO0302]

Anyone any ideas or need any more information? Im thinking of silicon sealing where i think the problem is...

Edit: Just thinking out loud here, this engine hasnt really run for approx 9/10 months, so could it be the case that until everything re-beds in if you like, the pressure is higher forcing oil out where it didnt previously and i could expect things to settle down again shortly?

Edited by TOMMO0302, 05 February 2007 - 01:32 PM.

[dklawson]

I can't tell anything from the pictures and I am more familiar with the early engines. However, I do have a suggestion.

Check with your parts supplier (store). See if they carry a product that is a U.V. dye additive for oil. I don't know what they'd call this in the U.K. However, the dye is simple to use.

Degrease/wash your engine so its outsides are as clean as possible. Add the dye to the oil and wait until dusk/dark. Start the engine, bring it to operating temperature, and let it idle for at least 5 minutes. Then switch off the engine and turn on a "black-light". The black-light is a U.V. light source (over here you can buy both incandescent and fluorescent black-light bulbs at the DIY home centers). The light will cause the dye to fluoresce so you can see it brightly against the metal. It will help you quickly locate the leak(s). If 5 minutes of idling doesn't reveal the leak, take the car for a 5 minute drive and then repeat the inspection with the black-light.

The dye isn't expensive and using it will allow you to focus your leak-stop efforts.

[TOMMO0302]

Thanks for that DK, thats good thinking and i think we even have a UV light at home from my brother's DJ days. The trouble with it is that wherever its coming from seems fairly well hidden i.e. you cant see from above and the view from below is rather obscured as you can tell by the pics...

....what did you think about my theory about the higher pressure in the engine due to it not running for a long time?

[Guess-Works.com]

where are the drips on the floor located....

Here's a road map to the main oil leaks, anywhere else is probably secondary drips so comming from higher up the block...

[Rodders]

where are the drips on the floor located....

Here's a road map to the main oil leaks, anywhere else is probably secondary drips so comming from higher up the block...

You seemed to have missed the one slightly to the left of the oil filter, oil pressure switch can leak and does happen quite often.

[TOMMO0302]

OK, i have edited those photo's so it may help. I would say that on the oil road map, if i had to say one, it would be timing cover?

The first pic i have circled where i think it could be from and highlighted the path the oil is taking. On the second, i have circled where i bleive the oil to be originating from - only the underside of it. I hope that explains it a little better.
 oil.jpg   13.55K   4 downloads  oil_2.jpg   13.33K   4 downloads

[neil_g]

thats one of the bolts that joins the g'box to the block..

[TOMMO0302]

So just tighten it up you think? It's not definately coming from the actual bolt hole, but i think it is. Im going to have it running again tonight and hopefully will be able to shed some more light on it...what would cause this as it has been sat for a long time?

[Guess-Works.com]

if you're leaking oil from there, check your breathers arnt blocked, the only thing which could force oil through there is excessive crankcase pressure... or of course the gearbox is not bolted to the engine....

[neil_g]

also check its not dripping down from the timing chain area.

[TOMMO0302]

Right, great, i'll try that later. I havent had the gearbox detached from the block so must assume it is still attached lol.
So we have clutch housing breather and...

Thanks for all the help so far. The clutch housing breather was left detached for quite some time, so im thinking there could bebe some carp got in there!

[TOMMO0302]

Well, to conclude this thread, i think i have solved it. The clue was in the pictures all along! I replaced the fuel pump gaskets as i figured this is what it could be and so far so good!

Cheers all