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Not Another oil thread - please help an uneducated gal...
I did a search first, and couldn't find what I was looking for....everything was too technical for me....
I have an issue with the oil in the car...
First, I've never had a single oil light come on, and the oil pressure has always been just fine. The oil was changed at the dealership 7 months ago, and the ticker says I have over 11,000 miles to go.
Had the car at a non-MINI dealership over the weekend, and he told me and showed me where I have a bad valve cover gasket and an oil leak. He found no oil on the dipstick.
So I'm ignorant to all of this - do I need to add some oil ASAP? And this place wanted $200 for the repair, and then I assume it will need another oil change? It's not possible that the car has been running without oil, right? I mean, wouldn't a warning light have come on letting me know the oil was low?
TIA!!!!
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'10 CR/B MCS "Snape", black 16" bridge spokes, SS, DTC, Xenons, racing stripes
and nothing else!
... wouldn't a warning light have come on letting me know the oil was low?
TIA!!!!
Disclaimer - I'm not a MINI tech and my manuals are at home...but most cars in my experience will not warn you if oil is low, only if oil pressure is low. If you're more than 1.5 or 2 qts low nothing will show on the dipstick but the engine will keep running because you still have 2-3 qts in the system. My advice is add oil immediately to get it up to normal, and get a second opinion from a MINI specialist. Good luck!
Some cars have a low oil indicator that warns you if the level drops 1 qt. below full, but the MINI is not one of them. If there was no oil on the dipstick, then by all means it needs oil added ASAP!
+1 on sweetborderdog's excellent advice above.
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His: 2011 Corvette Z06 Ours: 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Sedan
It used to be SOP to check the oil with every fuel fill. You should be doing this, since your experience with "no-oil-showing".
Dipstick has a "Normal" range that is 1+ quart and anywhere within that range is safe to drive with.
Best to check five minutes or longer after engine stop, to get an accurate read (I prefer prior to start, with a cold dipstick).
__________________ 28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
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The valve cover gasket needs to be fixed if it is leaking. You also should not drive the car until oil has been added. An oil change after the valve cover gasket repacement, while not mandantory, would IMO be a very good idea since the two quarts os so that was left in the motor worked very hard, and more than likely, have a higher level of dirt, and may be worn out so to speak. Be glad that the oil preasure light didnot come on....if it did, you woul be looking at a rebuilt engine more than likely!!
When all it fixed, just check your oil regularly, because even a good motor can burn 1 quart of oil every few thosand miles or so....and you only have 5 in you motor....do the math....if you never check it after 10,000 miles it could run dry....even with no leaks!!
__________________
l 2005 MCS l 11-04 Production l owned since new l RMW Tuned l Craven -17% Pulley l Craven Speed STD l Dinan CAI l JCW 380's l H&R 19 MM Swaybar l MSD Ignition l Power Steering Fan Duct l LightInSight l "EURO" MINI Armrest l Euro Parcel Shelf l Brake Light PULSAR(gen2)l Detroit Tuned Tensioner Stop l Blitzsafe/xmradio l Cobra 19IV CB l 4.5' Francis CB25 CB Antenna, mounted on the rear tow rig!!
Took it to Classic MINI in Willoughby Hills, and my main man said that the leak is so minimal and so very slow that he didn't even recommend it be replaced. He assured me there was still plenty of oil in it, and did recommend topping it off.
So yep, lesson learned with no harm done!!
__________________ HOME!!!
'10 CR/B MCS "Snape", black 16" bridge spokes, SS, DTC, Xenons, racing stripes
and nothing else!
Usually valve cover gasket it is a slow leak and you'll see a small amount of oil sprayed inside the engine compartment towards the firewall (toward the passenger compartment for non techy) Valve cover gasket is $15.95 from minicarparts.net It's easy for a backyard mechanic to replace and is DIY. However if you've never done such a thing or don't feel comfortable expect 1-2 hours of labor (whatever there going rate is) from a repair shop plus $15.95 for the gasket (most repair shops will tack on an extra $25 to the part cost and this is normal). You can bring your own part and save the a little bit. However, some repair shops won't warranty parts you bring in. Each shop is a little different. BTW valve cover gasket is common failure in 50K plus minis. You may even experience a "burning" smell of leaked oil on the engine until you get it repaired. sometimes the engine will smoke a little and you'll notice that when you turn off the car. Get it repaired as your budget allows. Check the oil at every fill-up and top off as needed until it is fixed. What can happen if you don't repair it- lower fuel economy. low oil pressure. poor performance. the sprayed oil from the leak could damage other parts. (leak into sparkplugs, etc.) Not an emergency fix, but plan on getting fixed in the next few weeks to couple months.
Trust me, if you took your MINI to the dealer & you really needed a valve cover gasket they would tell you. Sounds like Classic was honest & up front with you. Unlike the other shop.
You do need to learn how to check your oil & do it every week, especially since you have a somewhat leaky valve cover. Two minutes of your time could save you an engine. Carry a spare quart of oil with you too.
Checking oil at every fuel fill up should NOT be SOP for any vehicle manufactured in the past 20 years. That is unacceptable in my book.
I'm starting to believe that the whole MINI computer telling us when to get maintenance is a bunch of crap. My MINI computer says it's 4000 miles until the next change, but then the Low Oil light comes on and the engine sounds like crap - it needs an oil change asap.
I called the dealer and they told me that they recommend adding 1 quart for every 1,000 miles - Sorry, but that is a poor engine design! What am I driving a Model T ????
Your choice, don't check it if you can't be bothered. You & only you are the one who will have to deal with the consequences of running your MINI out of oil. If you run your MINI out of oil & kill the engine the dealer is not going to fix it for free under warranty. It is the owners responsibility to keep oil in the engine & check it.
The MINI computer tells you based on your driving when you need to change your oil. It does not tell you if you are low on oil. The only way to know the oil level is to take 30 seconds to open the hood & pull the dipstick.
The oil light is not an low oil light. It indicates low oil pressure. When it comes on you have to turn the car off NOW & don't drive it until you find out why that light is on. The engine sounded like crap because it didn't have enough oil in it & the oil pressure was seriously low. That crappy sound is the sound of the engine killing itself.
You need to read your owners manual. All of these things are in it.
FWIW any car needs to have its oil checked. The dealer telling you to put a quart in every 1000 miles was their way to keep you from running out of oil. They realize that you have never bothered to check it.
Checking oil at every fuel fill up should NOT be SOP for any vehicle manufactured in the past 20 years. That is unacceptable in my book.
I'm starting to believe that the whole MINI computer telling us when to get maintenance is a bunch of crap. My MINI computer says it's 4000 miles until the next change, but then the Low Oil light comes on and the engine sounds like crap - it needs an oil change asap.
I called the dealer and they told me that they recommend adding 1 quart for every 1,000 miles - Sorry, but that is a poor engine design! What am I driving a Model T ????
I hope this doesn't lead to another "MINI denied my warranty" thread and for your sake you were lucky and your engine wasn't damaged. Your oil didn't need changed. You lost oil pressure, probably because you didn't have enough oil. ANY car can use oil (each mark and model has a limit as to what is considered normal) and ANY car can develop a leak.
Checking oil at every fuel fill up should NOT be SOP for any vehicle manufactured in the past 20 years. That is unacceptable in my book.
I'm starting to believe that the whole MINI computer telling us when to get maintenance is a bunch of crap. My MINI computer says it's 4000 miles until the next change, but then the Low Oil light comes on and the engine sounds like crap - it needs an oil change asap.
I called the dealer and they told me that they recommend adding 1 quart for every 1,000 miles - Sorry, but that is a poor engine design! What am I driving a Model T ????
OWWWW....talk about abuseing a car!!
Even if it was a quart low with dirty oil, I would bet $$$ that a driver cannot tell....if it is running like crap.....and the oil light is on....time for a rebuild!!! And best of all, your warrenty is null and void!!! OUCH!! Sorry to tell you the bad news, but it looks like NOT reading the manual just cost ya $5,000.
__________________
l 2005 MCS l 11-04 Production l owned since new l RMW Tuned l Craven -17% Pulley l Craven Speed STD l Dinan CAI l JCW 380's l H&R 19 MM Swaybar l MSD Ignition l Power Steering Fan Duct l LightInSight l "EURO" MINI Armrest l Euro Parcel Shelf l Brake Light PULSAR(gen2)l Detroit Tuned Tensioner Stop l Blitzsafe/xmradio l Cobra 19IV CB l 4.5' Francis CB25 CB Antenna, mounted on the rear tow rig!!
P.S.----oil is a user replaceable fluid and a wear item, like the gas you are responsibile for keeping it "full". Under the warrenty/free mantiance, they will change it at the oil change time.....a nice dealer might even toss is an extra quart for you at an unscheduled service....but it is YOUR responsibility...just like the gas and windshield washer fluid!
P.S.----oil is a user replaceable fluid and a wear item, like the gas you are responsibile for keeping it "full". Under the warrenty/free mantiance, they will change it at the oil change time.....a nice dealer might even toss is an extra quart for you at an unscheduled service....but it is YOUR responsibility...just like the gas and windshield washer fluid!
I agree that it's my responsibilty to keep the oil full. But if you check it one week, you shouldn't expect it to be at the EMPTY line A WEEK LATER.
Evidently the dealer and the Manual are not on the same page. I've taken the car back to the dealer with 2000 miles remaining until an official oil change (according to the almightly computer) and they said it didn't need it.
I've owned Isuzu's and Honda's and they never needed to have their oil obsessively checked at every fill up. I just wish everybody here at the boards would stop drinking the MINI-Kool-Aid and stop blaming the owners for obvious poor engineering and shotty service departments.
Did I mention that MINI service performed a routine "download" on my car's computer and the turn signals stopped working and the wipers no longer do the intermittent setting. Sure they fixed it - after keeping the car FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK trying to figure out what they screwed up! Is this the high quality machine I paid $$$$ for?
I have good news Fran, MINI's hold their value very well. You can sell your mistake, buy a brand new Isuzu anything, and meet me at a traffic light. After which you can analyze all the problems you think my Mini's behind has.
Happy Motoring
__________________ SCARECROW: R53 CR/B - Alta exhaust custom bent for bumper, Alta CAI w/box, Screamin Demon coil pack, new wires/cold plugs, JCW 380cc injectors, WMW quick tune, M7 strut tower brace, Hotchkis competition rear sway bar, Hotchkis lower control arms, Megan Racing coilovers w/ 1" drop, custom rear seat delete, HID fogs... The Evolution Of My Mini
Time to bail, but before I do, here's a plan that does work. Buy your gas once in a while at a full service station. They will check the oil for you, simple!
Good luck....
Last edited by Crashton; 11-30-2009 at 03:34 PM.
Reason: Simplifacation...
The girl asking simple question, why not feed simple answers?
You guys giving too many scenarios...to intimidating for her.
First: learn how to check the oil - ask your man how to.
Second: add a quart and check the dip stick. (you will find how much oil you lost from leaking valve cover). Look for your old change oil bill and find out
what weight of oil they previously used. Ask someone or your man to add the oil. Watch and learn...very simple.
Third: Do you think $200. is too much?
then...Find any local garage who is willing and shop for a good price.
The girl asking simple question, why not feed simple answers?
You guys giving too many scenarios...to intimidating for her.
First: learn how to check the oil - ask your man how to.
Second: add a quart and check the dip stick. (you will find how much oil you lost from leaking valve cover). Look for your old change oil bill and find out
what weight of oil they previously used. Ask someone or your man to add the oil. Watch and learn...very simple.
Third: Do you think $200. is too much?
then...Find any local garage who is willing and shop for a good price.
That's it folks.
Actually, Franinpa's post led me and some others to high-jack WannaMini_'s thread. Sorry to WannaMini_ for that.
This argument of whether you "should have to" check the oil cracks me up and reminds me of a funny. When people complain to me about an oil leak (they don't want to pay to fix it and its a pita) I tell them not to worry, it will eventually stop leaking. Most folks get it but some don't.
This argument of whether you "should have to" check the oil cracks me up and reminds me of a funny. When people complain to me about an oil leak (they don't want to pay to fix it and its a pita) I tell them not to worry, it will eventually stop leaking. Most folks get it but some don't.
First: learn how to check the oil - ask your man how to.
Oh, no, you did not say that!
Experience note: fiddle w/ the dipstick when you put it in, it's gotta make around a couple of sharp turns - mine got broken (but not apart - whew!) during an oil change at the place I bought it (used, not a MINI dealer); $15.95 + shp'g for a new one.
It's intimidating when you do it for the first time (mind out of the gutter, people), second nature after a few times...
28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
Unlike the other shop. 
