I just picked up a very nice highly modded 04 mcs w/34k on the clock. Had it shipped to me so I only got to drive it 7 miles from drop off point of the transport to home. I noticed a burning oil smell coming in through heater. Ran car for maybe 30 minutes just figuring out the controls and such. Planned on getting license and transfer monday but have been snowed in since saturday night, 15 inches of white stuff not to enticing to try out new car. Yesterday after plowing the driveway and road thought I would tinker with Alice and see if I could figure out the radio presets(aftermaket unit), since it was a balmy 15 degrees I started the car and turned on the heat. Within 10 minutes the smell of burning oil became very strong, I looked up from the radio and thought Alice was on fire. Smoke rolling out from the back side of valve cover at or around the exhaust manifold. I shut car off but cant really see much from the top. checked oil and it is just a little low. I have searched and read every oil leak thread but none seem to mention oil leaks on the back side of the motor, Is the valve cover a known issue? any Ideas as to what may be leaking. Thanks in advance.

 

Since you state that the car is highly modded there might be many causes depending on the mods. If an oil catch can was added, I have read that valve covers have been cracked due to pressure building up in the cover due to a pinched hose or improper hose routing.

Since you have oil getting on the exhaust manifold there are a few places to look:
- Check the valve cover gasket
- Check the valve cover for a crack
- Check the the oil filter
- Check the oil pressure sender (might be two if gauge was added)
- Check the oil filter housing
- Check the oil cooler (heat exchanger at the filter housing)

I would guess valve cover crack or gasket.

 

Thanks for the reply, Valve cover is what I was thinking but as stated I am a newbie to the mini.It does have both the alta oil and coolant tanks on it. I am going to try to take another look at it shortlly, It is hard to get motivated to go outside when the temp is 10 degrees with a windchill of -18. I am getting soft in my old age.
How hard is the vc replacement.? I have above average mechanical skills,I used to be a chevrolet dealer service manager, just have very limited knowledge in mini mechanics.

 

Go to YouTube - search for mod mini he has a DIY for valve cover gasket replacement. I'll be tackling it when the temp jumps up about 30 more degrees.

Highly modified PLUS oil leak is always frightening. Did you Email or call the seller to see if he knows of any issues? I would also be looking at any of the worm clamps on that oil catch can...would be my primary suspect actually.

 

I had a similar problem with my '04 MCS and it was a leaking valve cover gasket. Plan on changing the spark plug hole gaskets at the same time. I'm still chasing oil leaks after changing most of the gaskets on the car and have just the main seal to go and then she should be oil tight. But I'm convinced that, since the cart is half German and Half British, that the passenger side is the British side since that's the side that has always leaked. German side dry as a bone. And welcome to the fold. I hope that you grow to love and enjoy your MINI as much as I have mine.

 

Look to see if there is a leak coming from the coil bolts. Sometimes an aftermarket coil is used and the stock bolts are too long and crack the valve cover. This happened to me. I noticed when I replaced my valve cover gasket. It can be repairs with jb weld. Or sealed at the bolts with permatex sealant. This will create a leak that will drip onto the exhaust manifold heat shield.

 

Where are you in southern Ohio?