Hello all,

Have a maintenance/repair question for you all. I was changing my windshield washer fluid this weekend, when I noticed a weird fluid spray residue in the engine bay (passenger side of engine bay). Looking around, I noticed this engine part which looked to have been the source.

• Is this engine part cracked??
• What is this part?
• How critical is the repair/replacement (i.e. do I get off the road now/unsafe to drive, or can it wait a few days)?
• How much will it cost to fix?

Here is a picture:


Symptomatically, I have not noticed any issues with my 2005 MCS. Drives fine, sounds fine. I live in Toronto but work in Waterloo; I don't commute every day, but I'm probably doing 400-600 km a week.

The most recent major repairs were last summer where I had to have the rear wheel bearings replaced, as well as the lower engine cooling fan and sensor (fan had broken, so engine was running hot, took a long time to cool, ran out of coolant).

 

That looks like your oil filled upper motor mount leaked. Common problem. Not critical. You can drive it a while until you find time to replace it.

You can replace it with another OEM one or switch to a urethane one like this:
http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Detail?no=331

 

Thanks Mirth! Is this self replaceable or better done by a shop? Should all of them be changed as well (both sides, upper and lower)?

 

I have seen the damper as cheap as $85 online...removal is said to be simple, but I think you must support, then Jack the motor up a bit...so it depends on you comfort level doing things...my MINI guy says they are usually simple....if the bolt is not seized...he has seen a couple. The failure of the mount is very common on newer gen1 mini's.....and an aftermarket solid rubber repacement is made, but it does transmit quite a bit ofnoise, vibration, and harshness....a better option for most is a secondary engine mount...to lessen the rock of the motor...extented the life of the oil filled mount.....both of these are made bt TSW.

 

Usually the upper fail, and the others are in good shape....so no worries about the others!!

 

Zippy is absolutely correct. No need to worry about any damage but needs attention as soon as you get a chance. I had mine replaced at Way Motor Works and it really wasn't that expensive for the Labor. I'm just not comfortable jacking the engine up to get the old one out. I also relpaced mine with the TSW motor mount so not to have to worry in the future. If you go this route, you will notice more vibration through the steering wheel but it does give a piece of mind. Hope this helps.

 

Mine was replaced under warranty on my 06 JCW cabriolet. Quick and easy. If it leaks again, I'll likely go aftermarket.