Problems with your Mini?
Tim Mundy helps you get them sorted…
Timing cover gasket
Recently I have had to twice replace the timing cover gasket and seal. This was before publication of your feature in the December issue of MiniWorld. The first time I did the job, oil leaked through the oil seal because I had refitted the timing cover tightly then fitted the damper pulley. It wasn't central and leaked oil past the oil seal.
The second time, armed with extra experience, I loosely put three bolts on the cover, did a trial fit of the damper pulley, checked with a mirror that it was central, jiggled the cover until it was, then nipped up the three bolts, removed the damper pulley and fitted all 11 bolts to the correct torque. Finally, I replaced the damper pulley, did a final check with a mirror for an even seal, and torqued up the damper pulley bolt. It hasn't leaked since. I fully endorse the Viton oil seal, silicone cover gasket and new bolts: all worth the extra money. It was an easy weekend job and you can tidy up a
