MINI2

DropTopCoop · Mar 5th, 2007, 03:03 PM

Our mini that is less than 2 years old is leaking oil from the oil pan gasket. I was shocked I've driven cars 10-15 years old that were still going strong on the original gasket. The service department acted like this was no big deal she said "oh we change quite a few of those" So I asked her if this was something I would have to change every 2 years and she had no answer for me, I asked if Mini is doing anything to address this problem again she had no answer.

For those of you that have had your Mini for a few years have you had to repair this problem more than once? They made it sound like a difficult repair, now I didn't crawl under there myself but I'm very mechanically able to do most of my own repairs, on a scale from 1-5 how difficult of a repair is this for a DIY mechanic? Is anyone making an aftermarket gasket that wont have to be replaced as often?

dneal · Mar 6th, 2007, 04:48 AM

As long as nothing is obstructing the removal of the oil pan, an oil pan gasket is about as difficult as a valve cover gasket.

Drain the oil, remove the oil pan, get both surfaces clean. Use permatex or some other gasket sealer if you want (making sure it's oil resistant), install the new gasket.

Hardest part is paying attention to how you tighten up the oil pan bolts (just like doing a valve cover gasket). Start with lightly snugging up the corners, then alternate your way on both sides of the pan. The point is to do it slowly and evenly. Cranking down on one corner and working your way around will likely lead to a pinched gasket and future leak.

Allow the Permatex to dry for 24 hours, PUT OIL BACK IN THE CAR (very important, that part), and you're set.

Gasket looks to cost around $25.

Paul Webster · Mar 6th, 2007, 06:59 AM

You have to move the aircon compressor back to get at one of the bolts if you have aircon fitted, which means you have to remove the front bumper and re-inforcer and move the front panel, rad and air con rad back as well

We do change quite a few sump gaskets as well.

DropTopCoop · Mar 6th, 2007, 05:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original)

You have to move the aircon compressor back to get at one of the bolts if you have aircon fitted, which means you have to remove the front bumper and re-inforcer and move the front panel, rad and air con rad back as well

We do change quite a few sump gaskets as well.

I was wondering why they were saying they had to remove the front bumper. So it doesnt sound like a difficult repair just a pain in the ass

I need to get my hands on a service manual cant seem to find one in PDF format

Lil_Mini · Mar 6th, 2007, 05:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DropTopCoop (original)

I was wondering why they were saying they had to remove the front bumper. So it doesnt sound like a difficult repair just a pain in the ass

I need to get my hands on a service manual cant seem to find one in PDF format

Have you checked the Owner's Lounge on MiniUSA.com?

DropTopCoop · Mar 6th, 2007, 09:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original)

Have you checked the Owner's Lounge on MiniUSA.com?

preferably one I can find for free on the internet

I've seen them for like $200 I can find them for just about any car but Mini

Mar 5th, 2007, 03:03 PM	#1
DropTopCoop MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Local Time: 03:09 AM Posts: 31 Offline	Cheap Mini oil pan gaskets? Our mini that is less than 2 years old is leaking oil from the oil pan gasket. I was shocked I've driven cars 10-15 years old that were still going strong on the original gasket. The service department acted like this was no big deal she said "oh we change quite a few of those" So I asked her if this was something I would have to change every 2 years and she had no answer for me, I asked if Mini is doing anything to address this problem again she had no answer. For those of you that have had your Mini for a few years have you had to repair this problem more than once? They made it sound like a difficult repair, now I didn't crawl under there myself but I'm very mechanically able to do most of my own repairs, on a scale from 1-5 how difficult of a repair is this for a DIY mechanic? Is anyone making an aftermarket gasket that wont have to be replaced as often?

Mar 6th, 2007, 06:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
Paul Webster MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Beds Cambs Northants Local Time: 08:09 AM Posts: 1,938 Offline	You have to move the aircon compressor back to get at one of the bolts if you have aircon fitted, which means you have to remove the front bumper and re-inforcer and move the front panel, rad and air con rad back as well We do change quite a few sump gaskets as well. Slicks 11.77@115.92mph Street tyres 12.162 @ 119.02 It's not how much you spend but how well you spend it

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Mar 6th, 2007, 04:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
dneal MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Local Time: 09:09 AM Posts: 35 Offline	As long as nothing is obstructing the removal of the oil pan, an oil pan gasket is about as difficult as a valve cover gasket. Drain the oil, remove the oil pan, get both surfaces clean. Use permatex or some other gasket sealer if you want (making sure it's oil resistant), install the new gasket. Hardest part is paying attention to how you tighten up the oil pan bolts (just like doing a valve cover gasket). Start with lightly snugging up the corners, then alternate your way on both sides of the pan. The point is to do it slowly and evenly. Cranking down on one corner and working your way around will likely lead to a pinched gasket and future leak. Allow the Permatex to dry for 24 hours, PUT OIL BACK IN THE CAR (very important, that part), and you're set. Gasket looks to cost around $25.

Mar 6th, 2007, 05:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
DropTopCoop MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Local Time: 03:09 AM Posts: 31 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original) You have to move the aircon compressor back to get at one of the bolts if you have aircon fitted, which means you have to remove the front bumper and re-inforcer and move the front panel, rad and air con rad back as well We do change quite a few sump gaskets as well. I was wondering why they were saying they had to remove the front bumper. So it doesnt sound like a difficult repair just a pain in the ass I need to get my hands on a service manual cant seem to find one in PDF format

Mar 6th, 2007, 05:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lil_Mini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Local Time: 02:09 AM Posts: 177 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DropTopCoop (original) I was wondering why they were saying they had to remove the front bumper. So it doesnt sound like a difficult repair just a pain in the ass I need to get my hands on a service manual cant seem to find one in PDF format Have you checked the Owner's Lounge on MiniUSA.com?

Mar 6th, 2007, 09:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
DropTopCoop MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Local Time: 03:09 AM Posts: 31 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Lil_Mini (original) Have you checked the Owner's Lounge on MiniUSA.com? preferably one I can find for free on the internet I've seen them for like $200 I can find them for just about any car but Mini

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