A crank seal is designed to keep the oil from leaking out of your vehicle when it enters the crankcase. Without this seal the engine in your Mini will soon overheat, seize, and cause catastrophic damage to the motor. Knowing how to spot a crank seal leak problem in your Mini and the factors causing the problem can save you thousands of dollars in expensive repair, or engine replacement in your Mini. We’ve gathered the following information on these topics and how it can benefit you as a Mini owner.

Possible Factors Causing Crank Seal Failure

While the symptoms of a crank seal failure is one thing that all Mini owners should know to look for, here are a few factors causing crank seal oil leak problems in Mini.

• Too Much Pressure: Your Mini’s PCV system collects and removes harmful vapors from your engine and sends them through the catalytic convertor to absorb them before passing less harmful vapors out of your Mini’s tail pipe. If there is a malfunction in this system, pressure can build up enough in the crankcase to push the seal out of place. Without a seal of course, your Mini’s oil will soon drain out of your car.
• Aftermarket Seals: If your Mini ever had a repair to its engine in the past and had the crankcase seal replaced, hopefully a certified Mini seal was used during the replacement. Not all parts are the same even if it looks like it should be. Online discount parts stores sell knock off non OEM parts everyday. Make sure anytime your Mini is repaired, all parts are Mini approved.
• Debris in Oil: One item that can be detrimental to your Mini’s crank oil seal, is any debris that may have found its way into your oil system. Made out of rubber, your crank oil seal is susceptible to dirt, shavings, and other contaminants that have entered into your Mini’s oil.
• Poor Installation: As with aftermarket seals, if your Mini was previously repaired by a shop that is not an expert Mini repair establishment, a blown seal may have been poorly installed by technicians who didn’t follow proper procedure.
• High Temperatures: Seals are also very susceptible to high temperatures. These temperatures that arise from low oil levels, coolant system issues, or the wrong oil used in your Mini can damage any seal that is within the oil retaining system.

Symptoms of Crank Seal Oil Leak

Now that we know what the possible causes of your Mini’s crank seal oil leak; what can help you recognize when it occurs? Here are a few things to look for when you think you may have a crank seal problem.

• Oil Leaks: Of course this could be the easiest way to find that your crank oil seal is worn or damaged. An oil leak will leave a shiny, dark oil residue on the ground or concrete under your Mini’s motor. If you see what appears to be an oil leak or any other fluid leak from your Mini, it is a good idea to check the fluid levels on your car and have a qualified Mini technician to complete a full inspection on your car.
• Burning Smell: Any oil leak from your crankcase or other engine oil system could end up on your car’s other components. Any other component which has heated during operation can cause the oil to burn away causing a smell to the driver and other occupants of the Mini.
• Low Oil Levels: During routine oil checks, if you find that your oil level is lower than it should be, a damaged or worn crank seal could be the culprit.

Expert Servicing for Your Mini

Having the right service plan and the people to carry it out to perfection, are the best way to keep your crank seal and the rest of your Mini in top condition. At Woodinville Sports Cars, serving the Woodinville, Washington area, our expert technicians are the people to trust with your Mini. With our 2-year/ 24,000-mile Warranty, we stand by our expertise in the repair of your vehicle. Call us today to have your Mini serviced or repaired by us.