SAFMINI Club Forum

robinboast · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Cambridge, UK

I am new to the Club forum, but not new to minis, as we have had our little baby for about 5 years. I got a stage 1 kit installed recently, which I like, but I now have a serious problem. It always leaked oil, a bit, from the seals, but nothing serious. However, just yesterday she was slipping from gear and I checked the level and it was 2 liters down -- first time ever! I limped it home (about 1 mile) and topped it up straight away. However, it now looks like I have a major oil leak.

I could take it to the City Garage, but I would rather talk to a mini specialist. Is there anyone out there who can help with advice or a recommended specialist (not too far)? I have used the Soham Garage before, and wasn't that impressed.

Any help will be welcome.

Andrew · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject:

Where is the oil leaking from ? If you are losing that amount of oil then it should be quite obvious.

robinboast · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Cambridge, UK

Thanks Andrew for getting back to me so quickly.

With the rain it has been hard to see, but this morning I went out to have a look and the oil is coming from the front right of the engine. With all the driving, and the oil leak, it is not that clear, but it seems to be coming from either the oil relief valve, the timing chain cover, or both. I am a bit relieved as if it is the oil relief valve, that will be an easy fix, but I don't have a place to fix the timing chain cover seal.

I thought that I would get a new oil relief valve and see if that fixed it. If not, I will have to find a good garage to take care of the seals. I will have to replace the seals sometime anyway, but do you know if there are any aftermarket seals? I have heard so many bad stories about mini engine seals failing a few months after they went in.

Many thanks again.

missysmummy · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject:

Hi, I'm by no means the technical one here, but through my experience of minis, my oil leaks usually come from the gear linkage seal or when the rocker gasket has been either over tightened or not tightened enough after engine work, the oil just blows straight over through the gaps.

Hope you get it fixed soon. Most local garages usually have someone mini friendly working in them, if you are in Cambridge, have you tried Regency Autos on Cheddars Lane? They used to race minis and have helped me out of a tight spot a few times.

Good luck!

MM
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