I have a 2003 MCS. A few months ago, at a local Mini Club modding get together, a reputable shop installed an Alta 15% series 2 pulley for me. Yesterday, at a local oil changer, the tech noticed that the right side bolt which holds the engine up was backed out. I believe this bolt was removed as part of the pulley installation process. He suggested that I take it to the dealer because when he tried to tighten it up, it was very hard to turn and he was afraid of cross threading. This was Saturday and the dealer was closed, so I have it sitting in my driveway. He thought that a dealer could jack the engine up enough to get the bolt back into place. He also said that the belt needed to be replaced since it was running "sideways". His accent made it difficult to understand him, but I believe that was the gist of it. He also pointed out that the engine was moving up and down whenever the car was put in gear.

Does this sound like it may have something to do with the pulley installation? I am afraid that the dealer will take one look and void what's left of my warranty (good till October) and I will get screwed for a large repair bill. Should I try and take it to the shop that did the install of the pulley? The tech who did the work actually does the pulleys for the local dealership, but the shop is an hours drive away from my home. Upon further inspection, the bolt does seem to be visibly out of alignment and the belt is worn and cracked on the inner edge. I am a little afraid to drive the car. I hope I can get it to the dealership without it failing on me.

I have enclosed an image of the bolt.

 

That bolt is for the tensioner arm not motor support. Take tension off the belt and lock in place (it would be best to remove the tensioner completely but it can be done while still attached), remove the bolt, use a thread restoration tap to clean up the threads on the supercharger and a die for the bolt, screw the bolt back in without any side load, torque to spec (33ft-lb). If it does not accept the correct torque then it may need a Helicoil insert.

 

Hey, thanks for the information. Obviously, I am no mechanic. I seem to recall there was some difficulty getting that bolt back in when they were installing the pulley. I remember the mechanic got some help, but when I remarked about it being stubborn, he said it was fine... no problem. Wish I could get in touch with him, but the shop's closed for the weekend. Can't wait till Monday.

 

To attempt an answer to the other questions, depending on the type of puller used, if it required removal of the tensioner, it is probably a failure of proper reassembly after the pulley install. If you take it to the dealership you run the risk of them saying the supercharger needs to be replaced to the tune of thousands of dollars and you have a day wasted.

Do not operate the vehicle until the issue is resolved. As can be seen in the attached photo there are not many threads left to hold the tensioner.

It will be less costly to purchase all the tools needed and get a rental car than what most professionals would charge for the repair. A tensioer tool is needed and it will be beneficial many times during ownership of the MINI, a nail or allen wrench to stick in the spring strap hole, a shallow 16mm socket and ratchet, or box end wrench, or ratcheting box end wrench for the end of the bolt, and M10X1.5 thread restoration (not cutting) tap & die to clean the threads.