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 Posted: Jun 15, 2018 10:03AM
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CA
Is the oil dripping from the radiator end of the engine?  Check behind the front plate below #1 exhaust to see if oily dirt grit etc. are built up there - out of sight, easy to miss.  NB - This is only one of several leak possibilities up front....

Oil MAY be coming out the exhaust manifold stud (literally through the threads) and dripping down behind the front plate.  Watch closely with engine running...a very slow drip.

IF this is happening, the cause is the intersection of the stud drilling & the pressurized oilway to the rockers in the head.

Solution, remove stud, carefully clean both stud & head threads, apply thread sealant (NOT thread locker), reinsert stud & tighten nut manifold nut to torque.  Leave overnight.  Solved.

I now put thread sealant on those studs.

 Posted: Jun 15, 2018 09:15AM
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Thanks so much. Yes im planning on giving it a super good cleaning to spot where it might be coming from.

thanks a lot 

 Posted: Jun 14, 2018 02:20AM
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CA
Since the  car is a 1983, it probably has a rod type gear shift. This type has a gear selector shaft that comes straight out the back of the transmission. This shaft should be covered with a bellows style rubber boot as far as the connection to the gearshift rod. The seal where the shafts enters the transmission wears and drips oil. The seal and boot are easy to replace.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Jun 13, 2018 10:59PM
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I wouldn’t sweat it....   Minis don’t leak oil..... they just mark their territory

While there are a couple of spots that are easilly sorted (rocker cover and side plates on Ss and small bores) (IMHO ) the only serious problem is the clutch main seal.  However, apart from those, most leaks are just aesthetically unpleasing and pretty much impossible to sort short of a full engine strip down....  

The best solution is to buy a drip tray  (Flat beer cartons also work well )

Cheers, Ian

 Posted: Jun 13, 2018 07:15PM
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US
liquids drip down due to gravity.  Clean the engine with dish detergent and a sponge, rag , brush, etc.  Or get some foamy stuff and degrease it.   Once it's clean, run the engine and start looking for the leak.  Turn the engine off. let it cool and if you see the oil below, follow it up the engine. Might just be a valve cover gasket.

Put paper or cardboard under the engine so you can locate the drip.

 Posted: Jun 13, 2018 04:57PM
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Hello Everyone

I recently bought a classic mini 1983. The car has a small dripping of oil, its nothing big but I will love to take it away.

Does anyone have any suggestions of things that could be replace or things I could look into to see where this is coming from. I know its an old car and most classic minis out there drip a bit but want to see if maybe there could be a solution to it.

Thanks so much for your time and help.