So I was just on the boards after I had experienced a Hiss after installing a K&N typhoon air intake. Found the Hiss, was an old boost gauge line that split.

I took that out no more hiss, really, still a slight one from a tube under the radiator line on the driver side of the vehicle. I can't get a good look at it, but have heard it with a tube.

Okay now that you have the back story. I've experienced pretty poor MPG, in a 10 minute back road driving commute of maybe 8 miles, I can watch the needle move like a 1/16th to a 1/32, of the gauge. My subie did better so i was freaked out. It's been cold so I figured could be running rich. I also thought maybe the vacuum line leak, as there is a "hiss" after I shut down.

I pulled the intercooler for a better look and was hit with a really strong gas smell. I ran my fingers around the horns and it had a "gasoline" like liquid all over the inside of both sides.

So again message boards i throw myself on your knowledge and experience. I'm more then likely going to call the dealership tomorrow as it's under warrenty still.

Its an 06 MCS with 40k on it. Thanks.

 

Is the fuel inside your intercooler and horns or outside ? It's pretty common to have an oil type residue in the inside of the boots ( couplers ) but mine never smelled like gas. Maybe the odor is from a diffferent area but in same vicinity ?


Summary: MINI: FUEL ODOR FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP (HDP) AND/OR THE LOW PRESSURE SUPPLY HOSE CONNECTION CAN ALLOW FUEL SEEPAGE, RESULTING IN THE FUEL ODOR. *PE MINI: FUEL ODOR FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP (HDP) AND/OR THE LOW PRESSURE SUPPLY HOSE CONNECTION CAN ALLOW FUEL SEEPAGE, RESULTING IN THE FUEL ODOR. *PE

NHTSA# 10026612
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. SI-M-13-01-0
2006 MINI COOPER S
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE
2008-07-01
2008-11-18


NHTSA Item Number:10026612

 

it's in the horns. I can wipe it out of both the intercooler and the horns.

I'm thinking I'll slap the stock air box back on and take it up to the dealer if anything.

Thanks for the service knowledge.

 

oh and i just had the intercooler off like a week ago without this strong smell and with out noticing a liquid, much more watery then oily.

 

interesting, sounds like blow by.

 

Well holy stink that needle moves fast. I'm putting the stock box back on and ringing the dealer, thanks be to the car gods that i've still got some warranty.

 

Should I get rid of her? I've got some leverage.

 

If you sell a car for a vac leak...while under warrenty...you have some rude surprises ahead of you!!
It is likely you bumped a vac line installing the cai, and they may not cover it as it was owner caused...I bet when you go to install the old airbox you will find the problem.
I bet the vac leak was making you car run rich... Making the blowby smell like gas, and it just had not set a check engine light yet!
Good luck getting it fixed !

 

Fingers crossed, thanks for the encouragement. I really love her. Hope it works out.

 

so here's the deal. BMW (mini) found nothing wrong. I decided to pay for the "pre-purchase" inspection as I have already bought the car from CarMax. It's a mechanical checkup that will at least give me a run down of her health body and mind. In this way I suppose I'll get some reassurance that I'm just paranoid.

Any thoughts?

 

I recently had a go-around with my Mini, and noticed something very close to what you are describing. (yellowish residue with a faint smell of gas)

Only thing i can think; the car is running rich and your engine isnt completely burning off the fuel. This fuel can/will contaminate your oil. So where ever the oil goes (by-pass gases go through I/C) you will have a gas smell.

I have had a p2096 code for a little while now and i suspect the engine is trying to richen things up, but if the o2 sensor is bad then there is no need to go richer.

ALSO, it could just be a sign that it is time for new plugs, which i have done, and immediately noticed a smoother running car. My old plugs were Brisk dr12s (something like that) w/ something like 25k miles. I exchanged those for stock NGKs.

Maybe this will give you some thoughts and or possible solutions.

 

Yea "used car, better get new plug". I just haven't had the car in my pocession long enough for maintenance. Thanks for the advice, i'm picking her up today. I'll keep posting as I get to the bottom of it.

 

Many mini's have suffered from spark-plugs loosening, and getting shot out...so be sure to put them into a cold head, and use a tourqe wrench...then check the tightness in a few hundread miles. Much better than getting a coil installed.
Good to hear that it sounds like everything is ok...you might want to consider a catch can if you want to keep the moisture out of the intercooler, and motor. It is not totaly needed, but can be good to have. Sounds like you made the right move getting it looked at....congrats on the new car, and welcome!!

 

Thank you much. I do believe I'll throw a catch can in there. As well as some spark plugs.