Hi guy, I just wondering what is going on with my mini. There has always been some oil leaking from the spark plugs area or under the crank case vent pipe. Anyone knows what the problem is or how to fix it? The crank case vent pipe seems to be loose and very easy to unplug, I circled it in the photo. Is it installed properly? Is it meant to be inserted further in and clip onto something?

I've had my car serviced about 4 months ago and topped up with 5L of engine oil, but last week I checked the dip stick, it was at "low" level. I'm worrying that my engine is constantly running without engine oil and hence that explains the very hot bonnet. Anyone can give me some pointers? Thanks.

 

Take the cover off and make sure the clamp is tight or replace it with a new one.

 

Thanks. Are you referring to the top cover only where the logo sits? I tried to remove it but its very tight and couldn't even move a bit. How do u actually remove the cover?

 

There is a clip that holds the hose onto the head cover, you shouldn't be able to pull the hose off of the cover, without removing the clip.

Dave

 

I just did some searching and this is what I can up with. I am sure it is not what you want to see or hear though.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...pcv-valve.html

 

Thanks Dave. Where is that clip? Is it visible from the surface or hidden under the cover? Mine is an euro spec, not sure if that makes a different? Do u remove the cover in order to get to the clip or can the clip be pulled out directly without the need to remove the cover first?

 

Thanks Braminator. That's horrible and I'm sure my dealer here in Sydney won't even give a shxx but overcharge me for replacement.

 

Keep us posted.

 

I can tell from the picture that you are indeed missing the clip. It would slide into the plastic guides on either side of the hose. Also 4 months between oil checks is insane.

 

You need to install an aftermarket turbo heat shield to keep the bonnet cooler. I have, and can recommend, the one from NM Engineering.

 

Thanks Yakstak, but does heat shield helps oil leak? I still don't have full understanding of how the heat shield works, the heat is trapped under the bonnet, and adding the heat shield will further confine the hot air to around the turbo and doesn't mean it will be hotter for the turbo?

 

I think Yakstack posted on the wrong forum.

You are right, a heat shield won't help stop an oil leak. It's to keep the plastic hood scoop from melting.

Dave

 

Sun2on99 commented on his "very hot bonnet". That's why I suggested the heat shield. No, it doesn't do anything for an oil leak. The NM and M7 heat shields are mostly flat and simply shield the bonnet from radiant heat from the turbo. They don't trap much heat at all (unlike a turbo wrap), and for what little heat they do trap, like the Honey Badger,.. turbo don't care.

Jon

 

Valve cover cares.