If you have recently noticed oil stains under your car or a burning smell from the engine, then your Mini might have a crank seal oil leak. This is a small seal that plays an important role in keeping oil inside the engine, and when it breaks it leads to leakage and other complications. If an oil leak is left unnoticed, it might lead to severe engine damage and a hefty repair bill later on. That is why it is necessary to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Here is how to go about it:
What Causes a Mini’s Crank Seal to Leak?
- Normal Wear: Just like any other part of the vehicle, the crank seal is bound to wear out over time due to pressure and vibrations in the engine. This is more common in earlier Mini models, or cars that have been used for a long time. The rubber seal becomes rigid and brittle and is unable to keep oil from leaking out.
- High Engine Temperatures: Mini’s engines are known to run hot, so constant exposure to heat causes the crank seal to dry up and crack. When the seal is no longer flexible, it can no longer effectively seal oil within the engine and this results in leakage.
- Excessive Crankcase Pressure: The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system of the Mini might be clogged or not working properly, and as a result, pressure within the engine may increase. This additional pressure acts upon the crank seal and ultimately forces it to rupture and leak oil.
- Poor Maintenance and Dirty Oil: One of the biggest mistakes that drivers can make is to overlook the importance of changing the oil regularly. Dirty oil contains a number of particles that could cause rapid deterioration of the seals, leading to a crank seal leak.
- Wrong Installation: If the crank seal was replaced earlier but was not fixed properly it may fail again. A loosely fitted part will not form a proper seal around the crankshaft and the oil will end up dripping out.
How to Repair a Mini Crank Seal Oil Leakage
- Check the Leak Source: Before changing the crank seal, ensure that the oil leak comes from the seal and not another component of the engine. A mechanic can use a dye test or pressure test to determine the exact place where the leak is coming from.
- Remove Old Crank Seal: To repair a crank seal leak, the old seal needs to be replaced with a new one. This may prove a little challenging, though, because the crankshaft pulley and other parts have to be detached first. If you are not experienced with car repairs, it’s strongly recommended to seek the services of a professional.
- Clean the Area: The surface of the crankshaft requires cleaning before application of the new seal. Any debris or old oil on the surface can hinder the new seal from making proper contact and this will lead to another leakage.
- Replace the Crank Seal: The new crank seal must then be fitted and set properly into its place. If it is not installed properly, it will leak again. Some mechanics use a special tool to ensure that the seal is properly positioned.
- Reassemble and Test: After installing the new seal, all the parts that were removed during the process must be reassembled. Once all the parts are put back in place the engine should be started to check if there is any leakage around the area that was worked on.
Ways To Avoid Future Seal Leaks
Failure to change the oil and the filter, or not having the engine checked regularly, may lead to crank seal leaks. New oil keeps the seal wet and eliminates the possibility of the seal drying out. Always fill your Mini with the right type of oil that will enhance the protection of the engine and its seals. Consult the owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity and quality you should use for your vehicle.
Bring Your Mini To The Leading Repair Shop In Highlands
Highlands Automotive focuses on 
Mini Cooper repair and service in Highlands, NC. Our mechanics can easily identify crank seal oil leaks and repair them so that your Mini will not have any mechanical issues. If you think that there is an oil leak or any kind of crank seal failure, do not wait for it to worsen. Call us now for an appointment to have your Mini checked and repaired so that there will be no more leakages!