Mini Cooper S bad idle help with video

Rebel911 · 01-12-2013, 12:34 PM

2008 mini cooper s 68,000 miles. It was throwing a cam code so I replaced the cam sensor with no change. for the most part the car only idles like crap any ideas?
this is my wife's car and she drives very conservatively.

video has Tac / exhaust and engine view.

thanks for any ideas.

link to video below.

B99EA130-8865-4E9B-B2D2-CC0DF1843B3C-3960-000005C444F1C5F3.mp4 video by AAD3665 | Photobucket

Rebel911 · 01-12-2013, 01:10 PM

other than the noisy valve train, I will get the new timing chain tensioner Monday, it now has a bad idle. I think I found a possible issue of cracked boost hose or bad clamp. I'll check that out tomorrow.
My wife only drives short trips ~5 miles to work a day, that there may be moisture issues in the engine and oil vapor separator.

drmatera · 01-12-2013, 01:26 PM

Interesting. My wife's 2011 S has a rough idle now and then. Smooths out the instant you touch the throttle.

Rebel911 · 01-12-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmatera

Interesting. My wife's 2011 S has a rough idle now and then. Smooths out the instant you touch the throttle.

that is my exact problem. I'll let you know what I find out.

drmatera · 01-15-2013, 06:34 AM

cool, I think it is tune related because when you push the sport button the engine/exhaust note changes on her car.

Rebel911 · 01-26-2013, 07:29 AM

It turned out to be 2 things. a very out of spec chain tensioner for the noise and high amounts of carbon build up on the intake valves. had this walnut blasted and all is much better.
I also had the injectors cleaned and timing checked.

runs like a new mini... really.

911Etarga · 01-22-2017, 11:47 AM

What does Walnut Blasting cost?

Luccia at Pelican Parts · 01-23-2017, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911Etarga

What does Walnut Blasting cost?

First, I'd like to note, a carbon clean up is really only needed for R56 Cooper S 2007-2010 with the N14 engine. Next, it depends on the shop you call. I've seen MINI indy shops quote from $300-$800.

You have 2 other options as well. You could purchase the Media Blaster Cylinder Head Adapter and Wand here: Mini Cooper, Cooper S, and Clubman (R55/R56/R57) - Cylinder Head & Valvetrain - Page 4. They're fairly inexpensive and are what a dealer or MINI indy shop will use when cleaning your engine. This is still the best and fastest method to clean the valves. However, many DIY mechanics may not have these tools or want to buy them. Therefore, another option is doing the "old school" way, but it is still very effective. We have a step by step guide on how to do it here: MINI Cooper R56 Turbocharged Engine Carbon Cleaning (2007-2011) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article. Let me know if you have any questions.