Anyone good with the 1275cc Mini engine ? Oil leaking !

[Beemer 5]

I have a kit-car which uses a 1989 Metro 1275cc automatic engine.
It has run well for quite a while now, with lots of new parts to keep it fresh, all ignition items, cylinder head, water pump and other stuff.

A few weeks ago it started to leak oil quite badly.
It was coming from the pipe to the oil cooler. I tried to replace the pipe but the threads to the cooler were stripped so at great expense, i got a new oil cooler, it cost loads because the available space only permitted the narrow-type cooler.
Anyway, after fitting new pipe and oil cooler it then started to leak from the old cannister-type oil filter. I replaced the oil filter and seal with no luck. Still leaking.

I then turned to the oil pressure relief valve, replacing it with the newer-style ball and spring affair and guess what, it leaked from the filter still.

Tried cutting a coil off the spring to lower the oil pressure, but the oil filter housing still leaks.

Could a fit a later screw-on style filter?

What can be causing the oil to leak like this? It is driving me mad now.

Cheers.

[lanciachris]

Blocked breather forcing crankcase pressure up?

[Beemer 5]

Not sure i have a breather. Where would it usually be?

[Extra 300 Driver]

I bet you have a crack in the filter housing.

>> Edited by Extra 300 Driver on Friday 21st April 15:25

[oldboyracer64]

hi we have had this before it turned out to be when we connected the oil cooler we got the two copper washers that go on the big bolt to the block wrong make sure that you have a washer then the pipe then the other washer hope this helps

[eccles]

Could a fit a later screw-on style filter?

yes. go to a srappies and get the housing complete.

just noticed its an auto....i'm not sure now.

>> Edited by eccles on Friday 21st April 22:04

[Beemer 5]

Thanks for the input. Will have a look this weekend.