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 Posted: Sep 18, 2014 08:58AM
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good point hunter,,,i need to get hold of a cherry picker... but my questions is how many nuts and bolts and other attachments should i remove in order to get the engine out of the car?, i can imagine the pita would be removing the drive shaft..but im willing to do it,,,replace all worn seals and o rings and others..

 

 Posted: Sep 18, 2014 06:46AM
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CA

To answer the question, can one replace the crankshaft oil seal in the car, yes and I have done so.  But first be certain that the leak originates with that seal.

However, if the Mini has not had seals replaced in goodness knows how long, best to pull the power unit (assuming engine and tranny are in good nick) and renew all at once.

 Posted: Sep 18, 2014 03:15AM
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US


wash the engine. then it will be easier to see where it starts to weep. there are a few places where you shined the flashlight. pressure relief valve, valve cover, oil filter return

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 07:25PM
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US

Couple drips each park is "acceptable to most" long time mini owners.. While im not crazy about drips - I still dont like them, and keeping a mini drip free is a challenge. A fully rebuilt lump - i was able to go about 18 Months - 14K miles with ZERO leaks--- Now my front cover gasket is leaking - Nice couple hour job to relplace.

For me = When a drip leaves more than a Half Dollar size drip/puddle after being parked for more that 2-3 days ( say a weekend)  i say its time to fix something.

Your picture- your undercarrage is very clean - i would assume a SMALL Leak if so. So decide for yourself "acceptable or not". Clean undercarrage is a great way to find your leaking spots.. Engine oil dye can also help pinpoint exact places its coming out- but start wiht a CLEAN enigne before trying. 

Most seals are replaceable without removing the lump. Be sure you have a haynes manual if you're going to tackle it yourself. also look for close by other mini owners . Most are always willing to help.

 

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 05:29PM
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LOL, yah when i went to see the car i almost wanna back out because of the oil leak, who in the jupiter's balls knows how much more damage it has inside

but the car runs like a champ and very strong so i purchased it, the owner said that oil leaks in  mini is normal and natural, ,,,i was like,,,really??? but now im slowly learning about it, indeed it's like a cat, leaving it's pheromol everywhere she goes(not a skunk,lol).

there should be a way to stop that leak wherever the origin is, no wonder minis has graduated oil gauge. ..however bad the engine has,i don't care i'm only after it's body design,so cute... so i guess at this point i have nothing else to do but to accept the fact that its really leaking oil, (kinda like ,a woman having their period)

but if you have successfully able to stop the leak please point me to the right direction.... thanks guys!

 

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 04:48PM
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Main shaft oil seal???  Do you mean the front crankshaft seal.... the one behind the lower pulley that drives the fan/altyernator???

Possibly, but I really wouldn't bother trying.  I have a non standard cam drive and have been through a number of seals.  At present I have a triple lipped aftermarket seal (not cheap)... but it leaks just the same (despite very careful assembly) as the other more standard seals I've used.

The leak hasn't really changed since before that latest attempted solution was implemented... 

Its the only leak i haven't been able to repair so now I just preferr to to consider it a feature rather than a fault....

If its only a few drops then just get a drip tray if you're fussed about the stains on the garage floor.  In the words of some past poster here... its not leaking, its just marking its territory  

Cheers, Ian

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 04:11PM
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If it's a small bore, it could be from your tappet chest cover gasket. Or it could be the timing cover seal. Or it could be a valve cover seal. Doubtful it's the trans gasket that's there.

I've seen a lot of timing cover seals and output shaft seals go hard. Timing cover seal is not impossible to do in the car, but you will need to support the engine on jack while you remove the radiator side motor mount.

 

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 04:00PM
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i dunno where the oil is comming from but i always see some oil dripping from this area

 

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 02:54PM
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US
Rod change seal? easy fix.

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 01:37PM
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Juust a few drops? we need a bit more info really like where under the engine are the drops comming from? clutch cover ? timing cover? diff cover? the possabilities are endless.......................................

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Sep 17, 2014 11:49AM
 Edited:  Sep 17, 2014 11:57AM
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is it possible to replace the main shaft oil seal without having to pull the engine out of the car? any tip? thanks,  after i drive the car and park i always see  few drops of oil on the floor, i believe it's coming from the main oil seal, i dunno wherelse? i already tighten the tapet bolts so im sure its not comming from there.  god knows if the previous owner had even replaced that oil seal after 37years.. maybe the rubber seal is all cracking and rotting.