7 replies to this topic

[ClassicAsh]

I posted last week about an oil leak from my head gasket, so whipped the head off and a local machine shop is going to skim for me ( still not had it back after chasing them everyday !!! grrrrrrr) anyway, I noticed a leak from the timing chain cover... bugger, anyway does anyone know of an easy fix for this... or should I not worry and just let it rust proof the front of the car. not sure I fancy taking the engine out again and was wondering if I should bodge with some sealant. anyone else had any success with this? (kinda stupid question I know).

 

thanks

[greenwheels]

While the Mini is off the road with no head you might as well take the radiator out and remove the timing cover to replace the oil seal and gasket. If the timing chain is a bit noisy you could do that while you are in there.

The oil leak will only get worse.

[ClassicAsh]

yeah good point, only issue is I rebuilt the full engine including timing chain, seals gasket etc. its only been started to move around the workshop etc, but I guess I must have damaged the gasket of something on assembly, so I guess I might as well bite the bullet and take it off again... bugger !

[Guess-Works.com]

I would check that the timing cover is not bent, or the screws are not overtightened.... as both will cause it to leak

[ClassicAsh]

thanks for that I will have a thorough check and see whats what.

[ryomini]

Hi

the timing cover leak is a known issue on the mini - I believe there is even a 'brace' to fit to the cover to help eliminate flexing - really the 'best' solution there is to get a good experienced mini specialist to put the timing cover back on for you

often we do these things ourselves but somehow the good mechanic / garagist gets it right where we don't

these days I have been doing some jobs myself and others I have been taking to my garagist who is just brilliant

[nicklouse]

the brace was an after market product that cam out in the 60s and then disappeared as it in not needed.

[ClassicAsh]

Oil leaks sorted now, head back on with new gasket and no leaks, timing cover new gasket, a bit of sealant and the mini is oil tight ! hooray !