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Oil leak - common suspects

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Old 03-14-2013, 02:00 PM
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Oil leak - common suspects

I have had a persistent oil drip. Not a lot, just one drop most days.

I did the crank position sensor o-ring last weekend and still have the drip.

I don't think it is the oil pan gasket because the sensor was covered with oil and dirt. This makes me think the leak is above the pan gasket.

So, I see two likely options:
1. Valve cover Gasket
2. I did not get a good seal with the o-ring install

Is there another oil leak option on the front of the engine?
Other thoughts?

Thanks
 
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Old 03-14-2013, 02:12 PM
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Posted this in another thread but it was it was very informative: Fits R50 R52 R53 models.

The valve cover gasket is not that hard. Once you unbolt everything it on the top of the engine.

We have them right here in the kit and single gasket.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/11121485838/


Here are the valve cover seals if you don't get the kit:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/11127513066/


The cam potion sensor on the rear has a little o ring. Not hard to access and replace.

Cam position sensor is number #8 , o-ring is #9



http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/12147514984/ES28615/



Where you able to check around the cam position sensor ? They are known to leak.

I would also do the valve cover. That's the number one area on the front for leaks.

Pics would help of the locations you were talking about.

Thanks
 
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Last edited by ECSTuning; 03-14-2013 at 02:19 PM.
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Old 03-14-2013, 02:12 PM
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You need to tell us what model you have before we can help.
 

Last edited by JAB 67; 03-14-2013 at 02:14 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 03-14-2013, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JAB 67
You need to tell us what model you have before we can help.
Good point
2004 R53, 75,000 miles
But I think this would be common to all 1st gen
 
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Old 03-14-2013, 06:38 PM
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Check your oil fill tube seal also. I had to replace mine once. Thought it was coming from the cranks sensor and found it to be the fill tube. http://www.autopartsnetwork.com/cata...osition:Lower_
 
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Old 03-18-2013, 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Braminator
Check your oil fill tube seal also. I had to replace mine once. Thought it was coming from the cranks sensor and found it to be the fill tube. http://www.autopartsnetwork.com/cata...osition:Lower_
Good thought and I will check, but I think this is below where I am seeing oil. The crank position sensor had oil so I don't think the oil would move up that high. But, I am often wrong.
 
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Old 04-25-2013, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Braminator
Check your oil fill tube seal also. I had to replace mine once. Thought it was coming from the cranks sensor and found it to be the fill tube. http://www.autopartsnetwork.com/cata...osition:Lower_
This often forgotten part leaks on most of our minis, mine leaks oil like a fat guy sweats at a marathon...in death valley...mid august
 
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Old 04-25-2013, 07:25 AM
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Here s the diagram for it. #11



Here is what it look like. Good to check.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/11437513891/ES2150908/



Hope that helps.
 
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Old 04-25-2013, 01:39 PM
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Just as a follow-up, I did the valve cover gasket but it was not the source.
Turns out it was a leaking oil catch can. Did not even think about it until I was getting ready to re-check the crank angle sensor O-ring. Saw the leak and am now good to go.
Learned that most of this MINI work in the service mode is not too bad.
 
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