Anyone been there and done that? I have read the how-to in Bentley but was looking for some real-world experience to inquire about special tools or tricks to me the job easier, faster, and to avoid any pitfalls.

 

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I too have been told by the dealer that I have an oil leak @ Crankshaft Position Sensor O-ring on a 2005 MCS. I too have read the Bentley Manual and am also looking for someone with experience on replacing this small o-ring (which I purchased). I'm wondering how the dealer could even spot the leak (unless it's easily seen from underneath if the car is on a lift) and I am yet to see any oil on the bottom of the car or leaking on the driveway? Surely there must be an easier way to do this than what the Bentley Manual describes? Thanks for any feedback ~

 

Sorry, no easy way, but with modular extensions it’s not difficult; just follow directions in the Bentley. Might as well purchase the extensions and get used to removing the bumper cover and bumper if you plan on performing general maintenance yourself. I will add, as leaks go, the crankshaft position sensor is relatively benign. It perplexed me the first time I looked for the source of the leak, and when I discovered it was from that sensor, I thought it was a big eureka moment. The first leak was at less than 40k miles, I’ve ignored the reoccurring leak since then, and it doesn’t bother me as much.

 

Hmmm.... I wonder if I have one of these going.... I've noticed a very small amount of oil seepage on the bottom of the engine... not even enough to drip... but I wipe it off and eventually a little comes back when I check weeks later...

 

At 66,000 miles my 2006 MC is leaking or better put weeping from the crank sensor O ring. The leaked oil just spreads out and collects road grime to cover the forward facing side of the cylinder block and oil pan. I had my 06 MC radiator and all related front end parts removed so access was very direct. As an Audi S4 owner taking the front end components is very routine to do most service work so the Mini front end component removal requirement is no surprise.

 

04 MCS, mine was leaking pretty bad, not much help to the above posts. Did mine when I replaced clutch and other maintenance issues, Had complete front off of car.You can see it from bottom of engine but I dont think your hand would fit with everything in its normal place.
Jeff

 

Many thanks to everyone for the quick replies. Now if the temp will ever drop below 100 deg F. I'll combine this effort with several other items which will be much easier with the additional components out of the way. Very appreciated ~

 

I have read that this can be done without putting the front end in 'service mode.' Not clear to me how.

 

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You may be able to do it if you have skinny arms. I can't remember what would be needed to just do the gasket, but when I did my cam, it was easy to get to and I replaced it. Take off intercooler, left horn, jack up engine (support it) take off motor mount....I just can't remember if that can be done without service mode...I did use it.

Look up cam tutorial and see if you can figure it out. I also had the tensioner and belt off, so they might be in the way. Taking the wheel, and wheel liner might get you a good view. It is easy once you can get to it..

Sorry I can't be sure, but you can look and see.

 

I'm confused. Why would the serpentine belt and tensioner 'get in the way?' I thought the crank position sensor was towards the driver's side, not the passenger's.

 

+1 me i confuzzzed too.

 

OOps, I was talking cam sensor.

 

So are we to conclude from this that in order to r & r the crank position sensor o-ring gasket it is necessary to put the front end in service mode?

 

Yes put the front in service mode and you can get right to it.

 

This is why I'm leaving this alone till I need to do something that involves tearing the front-end apart... like servicing the S/C & coolant pump.

 

You don't need to put the mini into front end service mod to accomplish this. It can be done by "brail". You just need to remove the bumper cover, bumper, and release the radiator cowl. Slide everything forward and you should have enough room to work without removing the radiator hoses and wasting coolant. You just might need an extra set of hands to hold the cowl and radiator while you work is all.