Mini’s primary characteristics are its compact size, maneuverability, and customizations, allowing its customers to enjoy excellent performance and efficiency. Like other brands, Minis have a crank seal which may over time become damaged and leak. You may wonder how you know if your Mini has a damaged crank seal. Let’s first take a look at what a crank seal does and the symptoms you could observe if it begins to fail.
Mini’s primary characteristics are its compact size, maneuverability, and customizations, allowing its customers to enjoy excellent performance and efficiency. Like other brands, Minis have a crank seal which may over time become damaged and leak. You may wonder how you know if your Mini has a damaged crank seal. Let’s first take a look at what a crank seal does and the symptoms you could observe if it begins to fail.
SIGNS OF A CRANK SEAL OIL LEAK
The following are some ways to identify a leak in the crank seal:
- Visible Leak: This is the most common sign that the crank seal in your Mini is leaking and it is caused when the seal dries up, cracks, or breaks. The leak is usually visible at the bottom part of the engine and can lead to dripping on the ground if it is not noticed in time.
- Occasional Clutch Slips: This symptom is rare but very serious. The clutch of your Mini will slip occasionally when there is a leaking crank seal. This slip is caused when the oil sprays on the clutch from a broken crank seal.
- Engine Noise: You may notice noise in the engine when you are turning or accelerating. Also, a hissing sound may come out of your engine.
- Smoke from Under the Hood: When there is a leak, there would be increased friction which would cause the oil to burn off leading to smoking under the hood.
- Reduced Engine Performance: Crank seal leak may lead to problems when accelerating or turning. Also, your Mini will experience poor fuel economy.
COMMON CAUSES OF A CRANK SEAL OIL LEAK
The following are some reasons why the crank seal may leak:
- Dry and Brittle Seal: The crank seal of your Mini may become dry and over time become brittle as it is a rubber When this happens, the seal will crack and fluids will drain out.
- High Heat from Engine: The heat produced in the engine can cause the seal to become damaged. Also, friction between the crank seal, crankshaft, and timing cover may cause the seal to wear and subsequently leak.
- Contact with Oil: When the crank seal of your Mini comes in contact with oil, the rubber components wear away over time. The seal would subsequently crack and break as the elasticity
TIPS TO FIX A CRANK SEAL OIL LEAK
When the crank seal of your Mini is leaking, you have the option to repair or replace the seal. The following tips would help you.
- Check the state of the gasket and change them if they are damaged or worn out.
- Repair or change the cracked shell on your crankshaft seal.
- Remove any debris around the seal.
It is however important to take your car to a professional mechanic when you notice any of the symptoms above. A professional mechanic would diagnose and determine the best way to fix the issue.
TITAN AUTO TECH: YOUR MINI SPECIALISTS
To fix a crank oil seal without stress, visit us at Titan Auto Tech. We serve car owners in Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, and Castle Rock, CO. We have decades of experience in fixing issues in Mini, and we are focused on ensuring that our customers are satisfied.
At Titan Auto Tech, we specialize in Porsche, Mini, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi vehicles. We guarantee our parts and labor with a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty and are fully committed to providing affordable pricing, transparent reports on diagnostic tests, and repairs and replacements with ASE-certified professionals mechanics. Contact us at (720) 796-4850, as we are eager to help you maintain your cars for years to come. Book an appointment now!