2003 R50, 5-spd manual

Two questions tonight gang:

1. Is the clutch adjustable (?) and if so, is it a big-deal to get handled (expensive) please?

2. Are the valves adjustable (?) or did I read somewhere that they are basically "self-adjusting" (somehow or other)?

Thanks in advance...

 

No to both questions. Clutch isn't adjustable.

And the valves have hydraulic lifters on the rockers that keep you from having to adjust them.

 

Isnt that was replacement cams are for? Adjusting the valves?

 

Beautiful thank you.

And what would (your) experience tell you if the clutch is starting to make "a little" noise (@ idle/neutral, with it "out") at 75-80,000 miles, please?

Thanks again, and in advance...

 

That's ridiculous...replacement cams are for more speeding tickets!

 

Questions: Is the noise kinda like a rattle of some sort?

Well, on the R53 that universally attributed to a bad dual mass flywheel. On the r50, which I think doesnt have one of those that could just be gearbox chatter, which isnt a big deal.

 

Yes, it is sort of a faint rattle...other people don't notice it unless I point it out to them , and I really almost have to be up against a building (such as at a drive-thru restaurant) to hear it. But I've always had a keen "ear" for ANY noises from my vehicles...I try very much to be pro-preventative-maintenance.

So naturally now, I'm trying to understand how it could be 'the gearbox', when I only hear the noise when it's out of gear, in neutral, with the clutch disengaged?

The more I think about it now, the noise seems to be coming more from the front/left/clutch area than the more-centrally located gearbox...

 

its some minor clutch chatter i think. I had some on my stock dual mass. very hard to notice though. but it was always there for me (bought the car w/ 62k miles) i just replaced my clutch and flywheel at 86k and now the chatter is MUCH louder, but thats because I now have a Clutch Masters lightweight aluminum flywheel. Its a little heavier than the rest of the aluminum ones i think, but its definitely one of the more reliable and quieter flywheels, while still shedding 15+ lbs of weight (this is just a guess from picking up both the stock and CM ones during the install)

If you drive the car pretty hard, like many but not all of us do, and your still on the stock clutch and flywheel, it may be about time for a change.
but i would either contact a vendor, mini dealer (dont have them do the install if possible, they over charge like crazy. Its flat rate ~10 hour job at $115/hr at the dealer), or possibly your mechanic of preference for a second professional opinion as this is an expensive endeavor. (i payed $800 labor for my clutch install @ Way Motor Works, vs the $1350 labor the dealer quoted me.)