Back again. Had an oil leak at the front of engine at the cylinder head. Thought it was the valve cover gasket but right below the gasket looks pretty clean. I'm now thinking the Cam Position Sensor O-Ring. Especially as everything else with an o-ring seems to leak on these guys.

I can get the Sensor or just the O-Ring. Does the Cam P.S. have any history of going bad? Blue car has 155K on the clock.

Think I should go ahead and replace the sensor or just the O-Ring?? Any trick to that or does it just go in one way?

One thing, this will sure make the belt tensioner installation easier.
Thanks,
robj

 

I know the cam position sensor o-ring on the R53s does tend to leak over time. I'm doing my valve cover gasket and a few other things this weekend so am swapping it out just for the peace of mind. I think as long as the car isn't throwing a code for the camshaft position sensor it should be fine to keep using the original one. Also if it runs fine, no need to waste money on the sensor. I'll be reusing mine with ~138K miles.

 

Just an O-Ring, as mentioned above, if there's no issue with the sensor, no need to replace it, I'm still using my original @ 235k

 

Well I was originally thinking the same. But, I'm in this deep and thought F-it, and ordered the complete sensor. Geez, what's another $50 bucks? I really want to avoid getting this far in again.
Again. does it only go in one way?
Plus I'm going to bead blast the motor mount. and clean/polish all associated nuts and bolts.

And another plus, the belt tensioner will be a piece of cake at this point!
Thanks,
Robj

 

I believe it only goes in one way, here is a thread where there are a few pictures of replacing it: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...id-i-miss.html

And a YouTube video on how someone changed the entire sensor out:
I was just planning on thoroughly cleaning the area, then removing the sensor and changing the O-ring out. It should be as simple as bolting the sensor back in and connecting the electrical connector. I will update if I get to changing it out this weekend.

 

tej,
thanks so much! I have the shop manual but to be honest it's sometimes such a PIA to find some specific procedures it's quicker to go on line.
While everything is apart and while waiting for parts I've been tidying up the engine compartment.
Bead blasted the top engine mount and painted with "Alumina Blast paint and wire brushed the bolts and gave them a shot of Eastwood metal clear. Not a lot of shiny aftermarket but I won't be shy about popping the hood. After all it is a Bargain Mini...

Good thing it's not my daily driver!
Thanks again,
rob
Cleaned up that end of the block as well. A shot of metal clear on the aluminum and silver Por-15 on the block.

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In case you were still wondering about the cam sensor o-ring. I changed mine out this weekend while doing the upper engine mount, was very simply and definitely needed to be changed on my car. Just one bolt and the new o-ring slides right on after removing the old one.

 

Tej,
It seems the o-rings Mini uses are really not that great. Every one seems to leak. I was reading another post and there was the suggestion of using silicone gasket sealer a sealer that I liked. When installing mine, I cleaned the hole where they go in really well, then put the tiniest smear of silicone gasket maker around where the o-ring is on the sensor. I mean really tiny, barely visible.

Maybe that will help, we'll see.
robj