I have a 2003 Cooper S with 85,000 miles on it. Does the engine have too many miles on it to take advantage of a 15% pulley or any of the other engine mods? The car does burn through 1 quart of synthetic every 4,000 miles or so but I haven't done any compression tests of anything to see if there are any existing problems with the car.

I'd really hate to blow it up at this point or ruin the supercharger. Thoughts?

 

I'd recommend a leak down test by a good shop to assess the condition of the top end. I had it done by two shops @ 131k miles, and their results although different in detail ultimately led to my replacing the engine. Both agreed that the leak down is the best single diagnostic to determine engine wear.

I would not say that 85k miles is too many for some careful modifications, but of course more poower == higher wear rate if the driver uses that power, so this approach is a choice of fun over longevity.

 

How much did they charge you for the test? I have a 03 R53 with 95K miles and want to put a 19% pulley on it. This could definitely change my decision.

 

Should really not be using that much. I have 97K miles and dont burn a drop and heavily modded since 50K miles.

Hmmmm, well are you positive it's oil consumption and not just fluid loss ?

What brand oil are you using ?

Have you changed the PCV valve yet ?

Both of the above would/could increase oil consumption. When valve sticks and stays that way for some time engine damage can occur too.


Is the engine's belly wet with oil underneith ?

I had oil pan gasket leak, crank sensor leak and crank pulley seal leak too....man the bottom of the engine was always stained and a drip hanging there 24/7. Repairs done and now dry as a bone.

Just a thought, but the "Standard MINI Fluid Loss" could also be the cause.

 

Using Castol Full Synthetic 5w30 and have been since I started doing my own oil changes @ 36K. The car has always used some oil since brand new and I always attributed it to the standard Mini fluid loss!

I haven't changed my PCV valve. Would this also contribute to poor or deteriorating gas mileage? I went from 28ish around town to now getting 24ish, but attribute that also to more spirited driving. Highway mileage went from 33ish to 28ish.

Engine is oil damp underneath but I rarely find drops on the garage floor. It looks like there is definitely fluid leaking from some of the gaskets though. It doesn't look to me that changing gaskets like that is a DIY job, and last time I had someone do gaskets on a car it made things worse!

 

FWIW have a leak down test done. If your rings are worn adding more boost is not going to improve things for you.

 

Yeah, I only had seepage too never any spots but dip stick always read 1/2 qt low at 3K miles....No none of them are easy. But when done correctly now, they will last longer than when they did from factory.

As for gas mileage. Yes the PCV valve effects lots of things and I would change it every 30K miles. Has to be purchased at MINI parts dept. It is around 25 dollars as it comes with it's own built in bracket. No aftermarket one is available.

Also, with regards to the fuel consumption, what sort of air filter are you running now ? The aftermarket ones which need cleaning ( K&N Style ) will drastically reduce your MPG's when dirty.....the old standard filters, you could hold them up to the sunlight and judge if they required replacement. These new ones which require cleaning and oil tend to hide just how much crap they are holding.....So cleaning them and oiling them more often is what I recommend.

I have one for my JCW airbox from MINIMadness and one from MINImania. They are almost identical, both work great and while using one, the other is clean in the cabinet ready for next swap.

 

I think I need to do the air filter cleaning too. I replaced it a year ago, just a regular stock paper element kind, so surely it is time. I am in the mood to do a lot of fixing of things so I think I will also do the PCV valve at the same time I am installing the stainless brake lines, replacing the brake fluid and pads/rotors this weekend. Thanks for the help.

As for the leakdown test, time to find a local shop that can do that for me. I think it is time just to be sure. I have been reading on NEMINI.org of people losing their engines @ 100K - 150K miles.

 

You could always just do an old fashioned compression check via the spark plug holes.....that should give you a pretty good read on how healthy the rings are. Would need a guage with a long neck to reach the plug holes.

I know guys with some 200K on original supercharger I think some of that depends on the owner and their maintenance philisophies when it comes to these cars....

I have to do the SS brake lines too. But next fluid flush will not be for another 2 more years :( Have to wait.