I am a newbie to mini cooper's. I just bought a 2003 S with a rebuilt supercharger. It seems that when they reinstalled the supercharger it might of caused a leak and or it might be coming from somewhere close to it. All the seals have been replaced including the valve cover gasket the oil pan gasket, the head gasket, the oil filter o ring, and the crank angle sensor o ring. The oil cooler o rings have not been changed but do not seem to be leaking yet.

The following picture shows a drop to two drops on the driver's side air inlet pipe of the supercharger. the picture has been taking from under the car looking up. Can someone identify where exactly the oil could be coming from and what needs to be repaired? The drop fills back up within 5 minutes of idling. I have seem to have found 2 other leaks as well but would like to solve them one at a time.

 

It looks to me as if it is the junction of the supercharger outlet horn and the black plastic intact duct that goes up to the throttle body. If so, it is not necessarily abnormal and can be addressed with an oil catch can. But that assumes that my understanding of the location of this 'leak' is correct.

 

I know the oil is not coming from the supercharger itself but if so then where is it coming from? Its going passed the throttle body?

 

There aren't that many sources for the oil that are above the supercharger.

If you're certain the oil drippage isn't from a leaking valve cover, could it be that the S/C fill port on the PTO/Water Pump side wasn't properly tightened when it was rebuilt? If you dab your finger on the oil droplet, does it smell like motor oil, or does it "stink?" S/C oil has a pungent odor to it.

Oil can over time, also collect inside the intercooler, which could drip. Was that cleaned (flushed out w/acetone) when the S/C was rebuilt?

 

From the looks of it I'd say that is coolant, too clean to be oil, if that is the case I'd say you've got either a waterpump leak, thermostat, or waterpump flange leak.

Give the oil spot a dab and smell, what does it smell like?

If the charger was rebuilt the fill plug could be loose, PTO housing seal not made, or somehow the rear bearing & seal is leaking.

You may need to either pressure test the cooling system or take the car apart a bit to get a firm diagnosis.

Feel free to give us a call if you need any help during the diagnostic or repair.

 

Thank you everyone. NKFRY is the man.

A few things...

1. Not coolant - Checked the smell and consistency.
2. Not Supercharger Oil - I just changed the oil 10 miles ago and it smells like that same oil.
3. I am not 100% is not the valve cover... but the passengers side valve cover is oil free. I am going to try to squeeze my fingers just under the valve cover and see what I find.

 

It sure looks like it may be the oil from the rear water pump gear drive compartment which sits just above the inlet where the oil is accumulating.... but that is my best guess based on the photo. I recommend disassembly to pinpoint the leak. If the oil from the water pump drive is leaking, it can have serious consequences over time - like a failed supercharger.

The gasket on the supercharger outlet is made from metal, so it rarely causes any problems. However, it is a very inexpensive part and wouldn't hurt to replace at 150K especially if you plan to keep the car for a while.

http://new.minimania.com/part/NME581...em-R50-R52-R53

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.