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Your MINI’s many systems work hard to ensure that you arrive at your destination every time you need. The hard work of your MINI’s engine and its connecting systems can develop some problems that could affect your MINI’s ability to function.
One common issue with MINI models is a crank seal oil leak. The crankshaft seal is a sealing material that closes the gap between the engine block and the crankshaft. Its function is to keep oil from leaking out of the engine and keep contaminants away from the engine. This seal could fail due to some reasons and cause engine oil leaks, which could lead to serious engine complications.
As a MINI car owner, you should be able to identify warning signs of an oil leak so you can find a solution before serious damage is done.
How to Know that Your MINI’s Crank Seal is Leaking Oil
The following signs are useful in identifying a damaged crankshaft seal which could cause an oil leak in your MINI’s engine:
- Oil Puddle Under Car: One way to identify that your car could be losing oil through its crankshaft seal is when you see an oil puddle on the ground in the space where you have parked your car. This could be the first sign that the crank seal is broken and oil can now seep out of the engine and onto the ground.
- Low Oil Levels: It is usually recommended that you inspect your car’s oil levels regularly. Doing so can help you identify signs of a problem such as an oil leak from the crank seal in your car’s engine. If you notice that your car’s engine oil is low, especially after a recent refill, then it could be a sign of a crank seal oil leak.
- Burning Odor: If you notice a burning smell/odor coming from your car’s engine area, it could be due to an oil leak from the crank seal. The engine area is usually hot due to the high temperature from the engine’s activities, if oil leaks onto any of these hot parts, the oil burns, causing a strong burning odor.
- Poor Engine Performance: Another sign that shows a crank seal oil leak is a reduction in engine efficiency and performance. This is because the engine loses its oil which plays an important role in ensuring the engine’s parts function efficiently. Hence, reduced oil levels could result in engine problems like friction between parts and overheating, which eventually reduces engine performance.
- Oil Strains in Engine Bay Area: If you see oil stains or streaks around the engine compartment, it could be because the crankshaft seal is damaged and leaking oil. You may need to carefully inspect the engine bay area with a source of illumination to be certain of the leak. Also, feel around the engine compartment for signs of damage.
Common Causes of MINI Crank Seal Oil Leaks
MINI crank seal oil leaks are common with a damaged crankshaft seal. This damage could be due to several factors, some of which are highlighted below:
- Poor Engine Maintenance: Maintenance actions are important for your car to prevent problems like a broken or leaking seal. It is recommended that you inspect the engine compartment routinely and change the engine oil. However, failure to do this may cause increased wear and damage on the engine parts, including the crank seal, leading to engine oil leaks.
- Improper Installation: Another reason why your car’s crankshaft seal could fail and leak oil is a faulty installation. This is possible if you have recently replaced or fixed your crankshaft and its seal, or any other component close to it. If the crank seal is not set right, then it is likely that oil could seep through.
- Natural degradation: The age of your model and high mileage are other culprits for a failed crank seal in a vehicle. The seals in a car could weaken over time due to high pressure, temperature, and friction from the engine’s actions. This then results in oil leakage from the engine.
The Best Shop in Florida for Crank Seal Oil Leaks in a MINI
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above in your car, indicating that it is losing oil from the engine, you should get your car to a mechanic’s shop immediately to prevent further damage to the engine.
MotorHaus is an expert automobile workshop in Palm Beach, FL that specializes in maintenance and repairs of BMWs, Mercedes, and MINI vehicles. Our detailed diagnostic services let us identify the issue with your car and our team of ASE-certified technicians are always ready to fix the issues.
