Hello Namers! I've a question:
I did install my Helix 17% yesterday after like 5 hours of work due to no experience. Now, I've noticed that the engine is vibrating more and there's a loud noise. Now, I understand the following points:
-SC is spinning more so the noise could be the SC noise. But I feel it's not. I hear it like tapping or something which is not the SC used to sound like.
-Taking out the stock pulley was a pain. I'm afraid I bent the shaft. I've looked many times to check for the alingment while the car is running, looks perfect for my eyes.
-Idling is not stable, the needle is going up and down and this is along with the vibrations.

What do you thing guys?Is all of this is normal?

 

It's probably all the pure, high quality, probably close to free gasoline you get from living in Saudi. I will send you some low quality, very expensive, US gas we use and your motor will run like a dream.

 

thanks for being sarcastic!!!

 

It's possible you could have bent the shaft. What did you use to remove the pulley? Bouncy idle almost sounds like a vacuum leak.

 

I used the pully removal tool and it went fine. I do not think I bent the shaft because looking at the pulley side standing front of the car, the puuly moves perfect!

 

It will take some time for the ECU to adapt to the increased air flow and get the AFR right. Mine had a rough idle at first also, but now it's almost as smooth as stock. I say almost because there was always a slight RPM variation in RPM at idle, and now it just slightly exaggerated. I installed a WB AFR gauge before my install so I could see it "hunting" for control for a couple of days after.

It was quite annoying so I tried the ECU reset procedure, using the ODO button. It's supposed to do the same thing as a battery disconnect, which may or may not reset the adaptive learning in the ECU. Most people don't think that it does anything except reset the gauges, but it did smooth out my idle right away but YMMV (what year is your MINI?). I also had the least trouble of about 7 other MINIs at a RMW dyno tune the next weekend. We did a baseline pass which looked pretty good, then just 2 more to get rid of a little ping at the top end, Jan hardly messed with the AFR at all.

Anyway just give it a little time to adapt and it will probably be fine.

I doubt you bent the shaft using good puller, unless you also got out a big hammer. Mine was a PITA to get off too. We had to use a torch and heat it up before it would budge.

 

Thanks for posting this timely thread, I just finished my install as well as I haven't even driven it yet.

 

Thanks chuckt. I'll give it some time and check it out. Mine is 06.

 

I've reported your post my friend

 

Marwan is an owner and enthusiast like everyone here on the site. Let's drop the sarcastic remarks about where he lives and learn a bit more about owning a MINI and living in other parts of the world. Frankly I think its cool that NAM is becoming more international in its members.

Mark

 

Thanks Mark. You kept my NAM's confidance and trust up as always with your few words. Actually, my Mini ownership, driving, modification and joy only started after I joined your site. I came to know and contact really cool vendors and manufacturers too. I'm sure this site will always be on top as long as you are managing it.

 

Everything should be ok in a few days. When I installed my 15%, it only took a few hours before it seemed to adapt. With the 17%, I assume it will take a while longer. I also had a lot of trouble removing the stock pulley, I was almost certain I had damaged the shaft somehow; I heard terrible squealing when I first started it up. It turns out the bargin belt I put in couldn't handle it, so I got a NAPA belt.

 

looool, when I first thought of installing a pulley it all seemed rosy. Now things show that it was a hard process for everyone!!

 

Can you tell where the noise is coming from?
When my 15% went on I swear I heard a little more noise, but not sure if that was just the fear talking. Mine idled smooth out of the box - I'd double check your connections - everything you touched (and things you didn't )
Disconnecting the battery to reset the ECU shouldn't hurt, but as mentioned before, a wavering idle sounds like a vacuum leak.

 

I hope I'm wrong, but I still have a bad feeling about your installation. I've installed seven supercharger pulleys in different cars now, and I've never had the problems you're having with vibration, noises and wavering idle after the install.

Now, all the pulleys I installed were 15% and 16% versions, but I doubt the extra 1% makes that much of a difference at idle.

 

Marwan, welcome to NAM I'm sure the good folks here can help you with your pulley issue. Also when you want to do some detailing come here;
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...aysprune=&f=12
We're a bunch of fun loving goofs, who can help you out detailing wise

Mark

 

Check your motor mounts, and everything you took apart during the install. Perhaps something isn't connected right and is making the vibrating noise. I doubt you bent the supercharger shaft, because doing my install my buddy and I snapped the 1/2" bolt on the puller tool, and the shaft is perfectly center.

 

The one wierd thing some people have reported is the shaft being pulled out slightly, but if you used a puller this won't happen.

I would expect that something in the mounts or exhaust is tounching/rubbing/preloaded.

 

As you know in Saudi Arabia there are only 91 and 95 octane that is mean bad gasoline for 17% pulley. There is not any good installer there . What about the heat ?

 

Saudi Arabia come to 40 to 51 degree in the summer be careful

 

May be on to something here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_...rement_methods

That 91, if 91 RON, is most likely equivalent to our lowest grade here.

But as mentioned above, those initial symptoms do sound like a vacuum leak.

- Matt

 

hmmmmmmmmmmm, I think the idea that the ECU and the car needs some time to adapt was right.
-First, I had issues of the car is going like the engine is going to shut down but wakes up again, like lack of gas. I had this in the morning but I drove it today for a long distance and everything seems fine.
-Also, on running temp, the car looks idling fine.
-I double checked the SC shaft and the movement of the pulley, everthing looks aligned from all sides.
-The SC sounds good and the whine is not disturbed, clear whine on around 3k to 5k rpm.
-I've checked the vibrations today setting on the side from the passenger side facing the pullies side. I'm sure the SC is stable, only the engine and the IC is vibrating.
-I've never faced a problem with the gas. I've got the JCW injectors that REQUIRE 95 or higher octane. Running for like 9 months with no single issues.
I'll drive it more and let you all know.

 

Report my harmless sarcastic post and you should also probably report about 80% of the other people on this forum who use sarcasm also.

 

I second that your post was unacceptable, it is the lack of this type of biting sarcasm with no offer to help that typically makes NAM stand out as a superior forum.

There are plenty of other forums this with type of biting attitude, I know as I have stopped frequenting them.

 

And to think that the sarcasm is free!!

I'm still chuckling over my "will someone please pass me my Bic" comment!!

Cheers!!