I purchase a used 2003 standard Cooper about a year and a half ago. It came modded. What I know: Borla exhaust, MCS gas cap, AFE air filter, Ken Jackson spark plug wires.

I've recently noticed that the check oil light sometimes comes on when the car idles. I took the car into the place I had my oil changed last to make sure the filter and everything was correctly installed. They told me that there is a "minor oil leak around the turbo." As far as I know no one builds a turbo for these unless it's custom. What am I looking for under the hood to identify this? Is there any part that someone could mistake for a turbo?

Either way I'm dreading the cash I'll have to pay to get this fixed. Ick.

 

If you have a turbo, than that is indeed a custom tuning job

You need to look for a part that looks like a snail house.

Some pictures of turbo's:

 

Mini with a turbo:

 

Oh yeah, and post pics if you can

 

What would it be connected to? Is that in a MINI? I'll take another look later this afternoon.

Thank you.

 

Yes, that's a Mini.

A turbo works on "hot air" (exhaust fumes) to power the turbine inside the turbo itself, which explains the location of the turbo on this Mini. It's connected to exhaust end of the chamber which is connected to the turbine section of the turbo charger.
As the exhaust gasses blow through the turbine section, they spin the turbine wheel and create extra power.

If you have one, you should be able to see it pretty fast and clearly.

Kind regards

Der Abt

 

Ooops sorry, I should read things through.

 

First off, do post a photo of what your engine looks like.
Second, if there is no turbo, then a flickering oil pressure light at idle can mean a few things...

Your oil pump overpressure bypass is going south. This has happened in a few cars I've heard of, and is probably one of the cheaper repairs that could come out of this.

Your oil pump is tired/worn going south. This probably isn't happening, but if it is wearing, you'd have to ask why, as it's really unusual.

Your motor is really warn and all the bearings on the crank and other places are too large, and it's not holding pressure when the pump isn't turning too fast. This is a bottom end rebuild. Not fun.

So, post up the photo and we'll all tell you if you have a stock Mini Cooper. Then if it is stock, you need to go to a good service center (a slight leak that leaves the oil level fine but makes a mess slowly won't affect pressure) to get a real good diagnosis.

Matt

 

Forgot to add, check the pressure switch. It's cheap.

Matt

 

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I think the mechanic is confusing the air filter for a turbo.

 

Pics didn't post right..



I think you need a new tech

 

Can you see them now?

I think I do too.

 

I see the pics fine, can't see any turbo in there, nor anything to indicate there ever was one on that Cooper. Nice color choice btw.

 

Yeah, I didn't think so. I'm just not sure what the heck they are talking about. Now I've to figure out where that oil leak is. Their confusion confused me. I was positive that there wasn't a turbo. I've spent time researching to see if I could find one and what it would take to install it if such a thing existed.

Thanks for the compliment. It's a fitting color for me. Yellow and white, like me.

 

if your tech thought you had a turbo () , it might not be so far fetched as to say he didnt install the filter or filter housing correctly. you should take a look at it or have it checked at another garage.

 

Yeah...I would have to agree. It might not be installed correctly or might not be the right part number. O-ring on the filter canister might be torn. Oil sendor might be going out. Filter might be colapsing in on itself since there have been reports of this happening with aftermarket filters resulting in a drop in oil pressure. OR the tech is just a RE-RE and you have low oil...

 

Time to find a new tech, heres a list to start looking over and check the local threads for other NAM members that have found good local techs.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw-repair-shops.html

"Turbo oil leak" right next the "Flux Capacitor"

 

opps, I need a new finger on the mouse.

 

Sounds like the grease monkey, er tech, was confused, one with the turbo being in a MC, and that it is a Supercharger, not a turbo in a MCS. Go to almost any decent garage that works on BMW, Volkswagens, and the like and they should be able to figure it out.

Mark

 

Maybe your tech should have his head examined...was this a jiffy lube tech? that may explain it. You may want to try your local grocery store cashier, you may have better luck with them.

Definately go somewhere else! Good luck, hope it's nothing serious.

 

Another way to test for the turbo if you had one if get your revs up really high and kill the throttle. Hear a hissing sound and you have a turbo, or a really really bad leak somewhere.

 

haha your mechanic is a moron. i hope your not related to him because i feel like he's going to get shredded all day for being retarded.