Oil cooler housing gaskets or something else?
 

My 2007 Cooper base developed a nice oil leak a last week. I presumed it was the valve cover gasket since I pulled it to check the timing chain guides and tensioner and thought I may have damaged the gasket. Replaced it and still have a leak. Only enough the lek has slowed down.. perhaps both seals where leaking.

Oil pools on the bottom of the pan, drips on the down pipe, and on the bell housing. Seems to leak some times after sitting for a few hours and leaks worse when cold. Once the motor is warmed up it does not leak.

Anyways..

There are alot of DIYs for the turbo models but non for the Justas.. any tips or tricks for replacing the oil filter housing gasket seals on the N12?

I will be changing the water pump which has a minor leak at the same time.

N12 Engine MINI Cooper Oil filter housing gasket DIY is here: 11428643758

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-gaskets.html

Thanks!

To add to the confusion I peaked under the car this morning and there where no oil spots on the ground... hmmm this leak is starting to drive me crazy. Not sure what could be intermittently leaking oil.

Welcome,

Could be on and off as the gasket swells. Like its just in the starting phase.

It could be the vacuum pump O ring....this is a common problem. I like to replace the pump and O ring at about 100,000 miles...to prevent any problems if the pump freezes. This approach is probably overkill....

Just changing the O ring is possible as well.

Removing the vacuum pump isn't difficult....

Head over to Detroit Tuned Chad will work you up with what you need!