I seem to have a small oil leak, right hand side looking at the engine. I assume it is most likely the oil cooler gaskets or O-Rings. What is the be way to see this before taking anything apart. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

The coolant looks clean. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

I bought a camera for the purpose of locating leaks.

【Dual Lens】Teslong Endoscope... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CF9GSF4T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

edit - camera stopped working! now ordered a Depstech DS530 £92 from Amazon...

Last edited by Richie N on 10th Mar 2024 12:17pm. Edited 1 time in total

I have now ordered one.

I am hoping it could be from the filter, As that was changed by the garage in October. I started to see drops of oil in December. The oil has gone down less than 1 mark in 3 months. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

If you suspect oil filter, check the oring is in the correct position and not damaged/flat etc and ensure it's not cross threaded when you re-instal, and use a Torque wrench!.
Did find when I first got my vehicle the dealer apprentice used a tippex mark! 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

I have used the endoscope. I don't think it is the filter. The dripping is increasing.

Is it best to go up or down with the camera to see the back of the oil cooler? I tried a bit from the top but I wasn't so good with the camera. Where should I try and get the camera to go?

I am getting the feeling this is going to be the oil cooler gaskets and o-rings. Where else could the oil be coming from. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

Just remembered I took out an extra warranty. So will ask if the oil leak is covered before I do too much. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

Fingers crossed! Good luck!  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” -where’s the fun in that?

Could also be the 2 dreaded Orings on the rear of the Engine best done when cooler off.

Gasket


But this is more fun with christian
 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

Found that Christian is about 2 hours from me.

I have watched that video. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

Garage will check next week.

Each checkmark on the oil level is 300ml?
I am down 4 check marks. I put in about 300ml-400ml and it seems to have gone up a mark.

That would make the oil loss 1-1.5 in 4 months. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

The importance of having the car on flat ground. I was in a car park this evening and remembered to check the oil level before driving home. I am only down 1 mark after topping up. So I haven’t lost as much oil as I thought I had.

A little oil can make a big mess on the driveway. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)

Car was at the garage today. It will be fixed on the extended warranty. They will call Monday to arrange. SDV8 AB MY 2020
MINI Cooper S Cabrio
Kit: Jaguar XK140 (in progress - the website is link to build)