21 replies to this topic

[Lewbo]

Hi all, I've got a leak coming from an area which i believe is the oil gauge, from the front its at the left of the engine, on the head. I'm thinking of taking it out, any precautions, i.e. is there going to be oil everywhere or? only just started getting things ready and its my first project!

[David128]

Shouldn't be any oil lost as long as engine isn't running 

[nicklouse]

the oil take off is on the block not the head.

 

pictures?

[Batmini]

Easier if you take a picture buddy. If it is where the oil pressure pipe goes, so long as the car isn't running you shouldn't lose oil. Unless it's damaged, put a bit of thread tape on it and put it back in. (That's assuming you have identified the part correctly) 1st post a pic here to confirm though

[Lewbo]

For some reason I can't upload a photo, might be because I'm on a Mac?! My oil gauge is where the oil is coming out, however, there is a quad brass fitting, so far I have established one other fitting is the oil pressure sensor. The other two are wires, if I unplug all these to take the sensor out, could I reset anything? Cheers

[nicklouse]

work out pictures.

 

post to a host and link.

 

so it is leaking from the group of connections and not the head?

[Lewbo]

So now hopefully you can see the photos, on the far left of the brass fitting is the oil pressure sensor, the part where is connects to the engine casing is the problem.


Why the photos have posted upside down I have no idea!

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Edited by Lewbo, 26 August 2016 - 08:56 AM.

[Carlos W]

A little bit of oil may weep from there if you remove it, but not loads. (obviously don't run the car without something like the pressure switch in the hole)

 

It may be that the threads on that connector are wrong.

 

Are there 3 things plumbed into it?? Pressure gauge, pressure sender and?????

 

For reference, that's the block, not the head. 

 

Clean it all up and see if you can find the source of the leak

[carbon]

Like Carlos says, there's a lot of plumbing there...

 

The most I have ever used is a 't' piece with one sender and one pipe to the gauge.

 

I'm also curious to know what else is connected?

[gazza82]

My guess is 2 x oil pressure gauge (1 x mech & 1 x elec) & oil temp.

[Lewbo]

Just to check, None of those things connected will reset?


I'll have another look later on and figure out what goes where, only just got it, just getting to grips with basic mechanics and repairs!

Edited by Lewbo, 27 August 2016 - 08:55 AM.

[Carlos W]

Just to check, None of those things connected will reset?


I'll have another look later on and figure out what goes where, only just got it, just getting to grips with basic mechanics and repairs!

What do you mean by re-set?

 

There wont be any need to calibrate anything after removing them and putting them back

[nicklouse]

My guess is 2 x oil pressure gauge (1 x mech & 1 x elec) & oil temp.

Very poor place to measure oil temp as there is no flow most of the reading will come from conducted heat from the block.

But three connections. Guage,low pressure warning switch ,and as you suggest a temp sender.(but threads would be a bit small) so maybe two gauges.

[surfblue]

 

Just to check, None of those things connected will reset?


I'll have another look later on and figure out what goes where, only just got it, just getting to grips with basic mechanics and repairs!

What do you mean by re-set?

 

There wont be any need to calibrate anything after removing them and putting them back

 

Most resetting my Mini requires is done by judicious application of a hammer 

[tiger99]

The leak may be caused by different threads. Some items have a taper thread and require PTFE tape to make the seal, others a plain thread, possibly 3/8" UNF, and require a copper washer to make the seal  against a flat face. Both types are commonly found on oil pressure switches and gauges.

 

Unscrew them all, determine the type of thread on each, and apply the appropriate type of seal. Neither type is prone to leaking when done properly.