Best photo I have of the hole with the torx.

The hole is down to the back of the engine on the left side of this photo (back right side of engine)


struggling with an oil leak on my 09 r57. Seems to be coming from a torx screw/bolt on back right of engine. I was gonna try to tighten it to see what happens but wanted to post here first. I assume there is an o ring there but I have no idea what this is for. Please advise. Thank you.


Found this photo online. Shows the torx better

 

Looking at that photo your oil is coming from above the torx space. Most likely a failed o'ring on the vanos solenoid which is very common. That is the large silver unit with the black connector just above the torx hole. Maybe both leaking as it looks like someone has already screwed with that torx and damaged the head.

 

update: I removed the vanos solenoid and the helicoil that someone previously installed came out on the bolt. I guess good news is this would explain the leak as it wasn’t tightened. Bad news is I’ve never dealt with this and really don’t want to drill a new hole. I’m hoping I can buy a new helicoil of the same size and reinstall it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would put some sealant or threadlock on the new helicoil.

 

thank you! Can I just re install a new helicoil without redrilling? It’s in such a nasty spot.
it’s a 6m x 16mm bolt, so do I use a 6m helicoil insert? Sorry I’m kinda new at this. Trying not to take the mini to a mechanic. I appreciate you guys

 

Take it along to Screwfix and ask them, they sell helicoil. I have never used one. PS - I doubt Screwfix are in USA... my bad, am in UK. Find someone local who sells them.
Oh aye, get a new solenoid o'ring fitted as well, they do flatten out over time. Ebay or perhaps the parts dept at BMW/MINI

 

AS I recall, a new helicoil has a tang that you use to install it & then break it off afterwards. So putting the old one back in might be hard to do without the tang. Unless the female thread in the head is oversize, it should be OK to use as is. Hopefully the person that installed it before used the correct tap.

 

turns out it was my non return valve leaking. Remove it and the o ring basically fell apart. Very stiff and un pliable. Can anyone help with the size o ring. I hate to buy the 30 dollar valve just to get the o ring. Thanks!

 

Take the pcs to a hardware store. They should have one that will work.

 

Exactly. take it to a Ace Hardware or something of the sort ... the will have one in the metal cases of machine supplies

 

Here is the part: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...367507729~oem/



The size is 9.5x2.5mm
Used to be black, now its green.