I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this but here if goes...

I had a 15% reduction pulley and an oil catch can professionally installed about a week ago. (only other mod is an alta CAI) Now, oil is leaking from "everywhere", every gasket, according to my local mechanic. It looks clearly like a oil pressure issue as every gasket failing at once seems a little unlikely. My question is, was there anything I missed prior to/directly after having these mods installed that caused this? I'm really confused as to where this problem is originating from.

Any help would great. Thanks.

edit --
Car: 2004 R53 Mini Cooper

 

If the catch can was not done correctly and is blocked the crankcase pressure will build and blow out the seals like you have. I'd check that first.

 

Better check the oil catch can. Lines connected wrong or one may be blocked.

 

that's the only way you could be leaking from everywhere....

This is one of the reasons I'm not a big fan of OCCs on the first gen new Mini....

Matt

 

I doubt the oil just oozed out around the gaskets. They're probably damaged and will have to be replaced, no?

 

As everyone said, if the catch can is installed incorrectly you will build positive pressure in the crank case and blow out the gaskets.

 

Could you post a pic of your OCC setup?

 

One more vote for an "unprofessional" catch can install. Unfortunately although your seals may have been stressed, some are probably still OK. But any gasket that was blown will probably need to be replaced.

Sorry,

Rich

 

Thanks for all of your responses. The OCC was relocated and triple checked for a correct installation, still leaking. At this point, we've decided to attack the symptoms (i.e. all the gaskets where oil is leaking from). Still really confused as to the underlying cause here, is it possible the OCC itself was DOA?

Thanks again.

 

What brand OCC did you install. If you can blow in and out of it, the can should be OK. Sure you don't have a pinched line?

 

Alta OCC. Not sure about the lines, it's still at the shop that did the work getting the gaskets replaced. :(

 

It is well known (but possibly corrected by now) that the installation instructions for the Alta OCC are incorrect. Read the sticky on OCC to discover what has been known about this problem.
That said, the benefits of an OCC are NOT LARGE ENOUGH to suffer what you have. Uninstall the OCC, replace all the gaskets, and clean out the IC every 6 months. You will be safe, and happy.

 

I've had an alta catch can installed on my 03 mcs for about 2 weeks. on my way to work i hear a thud and the dash lights up. I only drove another 2 blocks to the parking lot look under the hood and oil is everywhere on the passanger side of the engine. I really can't see where its coming from but i can't even see it on the dip stick anymore. I can't find the "stickey" on the revised instructions.