Hello,

I have a 2002 Mini Cooper S with coolant in the oil. I noticed the coolant level dropping around September and could not locate a leak. At the end of September the temperature guage spiked and I immediately pulled over and shut down, topped up the coolant and parked it. Upon inspection, I realized the coolant was entering the oil. After researching the problem, I had my head gasket replaced and was told it was more than likely the problem as it was pretty rusty looking. That was not the problem. I then had the heat exchanger and oil filter housing seal replaced. Also not the problem.

Besides having a cracked engine block, what should I be looking at next?
Is it safe to use an oil additive to block the leak.

The rest of the car is in great shape and only has 120000km.
I would like to get another couple of years out of it.

Thanks for the help.

 

I would check the oil cooler....
The seals sometimes fail internally...and it leaks...
If its not that...then the possibilities get $$$...
I would not try to fix it...I would just swap motors since you have done most everything else...

 

You state that the head gasket was replaced. Was the cylinder head fully inspected for cracks and flatness? Was any work done to the cylinder head?

 

The oil cooler/heat exchanger was replaced. Other than visually, I don't think they checked the head. At this point I'm ready to patch it up and trade it in. Was hoping I wouldn't have to remove the head again.

 

We have seen only a couple of these incidents, but we have found cracks that start from the head bolt at the back of the engine at cylinder 1 and runs down the head behind the rear timing guide.

It is a bit of work to get to it and diagnose it, but if you are unable to find the leak, and have already had the head decked, replaced the HG, as well as the oil cooler I would suspect the head is the problem.

You'll have to remove the head again to have it magnafluxed and pressure tested, but that will show you any cracks that are present.

We have used heads in stock as well as rebuilt heads, if you want to head down that avenue we would be glad to help you out.

Nick
Detroit Tuned
586-792-6464

 

Thanks for the help. I will get my guy to give me a quote to see if there is a crack.

Thanks again.

 

My daughter's 03 jeep liberty had similar issue. Ended up being warped head. We did valve job since head was already off- very cost effective to do.

Al