This is the 2nd time in around a month (only owned the car for two) that the intake pipe at the turbo has come undone. The first time it was completely stock, now I have a DDM intake, but I know without a doubt that I tightened it down as well as I could when I installed it two weeks ago.

Is this a common problem, and is there an aftermarket solution? Its not a HUGE deal, just an annoying CEL / issue to resolve..

Picture of how it looks each time for good measure..:

 

I had this happen twice. The first time it was completely off and I got a check engine light. I tightened it with the MINI tool kit screwdriver,then tightened it more at home with a bigger screwdriver. It got loose again a few weeks later. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the hose under warranty. My intake is stock.

 

CLean the inside of the pipe. With no catch can oil deposits will be in there not allowing good grip. Then when you tighten make sure the clamp is as far up(as close to the turbo) as possible.

 

Or, remove that piece of crap clamp Mini uses and buy a T-Bolt clamp. Then you can actually tighten the thing without it breaking.

 

You might also be able to put a bead near the end of the pipe. That, together with a good clamp, can help keep the hose from slipping off under boost.

I'm not sure who makes a beader for a pipe that large, though.

 

Came off again, and I noticed the oil.. Cleaned it up, tightened it up.. its stayed on for a day now. Time to order a catch can. I didn't realize it was that serious, I always thought catch cans were a bit of a gimmick, sort of like grounding kits.

I am a believer now!

 

One more thing... take a can of brake part or carb cleaner and wipe with a rag both the inside of the boot and the metal itself.

I assure you it will help... I can’t guarantee it will totally solve your problem but it will definitely help.

Mark

 

+1

Also, catch can's are definitely not gimmicks. Actually a necessity for direct injection minis. Get one asap. And do a DIY carbon cleaning

 

hah! I have this exact same issue. (just happened to install my catch can install last weekend.)

tried cleaning off any oil blow by and also adjusting clamp. I think the only real way is a t-bolt clamp. I need to measure to get the right size but i'll be picking one up from mcmaster asap.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#t-bolt-hose-clamps/=erm1pc

 

You can also cut a piece of stainless pipe the same diameter as the turbo inlet and A piece of silicone hose that fits that. Measure just enough pipe to slide into the intake pipe about 1 inch and with about 1 inch exposed. Slip the pipe into the intake tubing and tighten, then slip the silicone hose over the exposed pipe, and tighten. Then slip the leftover bit of silicone hose over the turbo intake pipe and tighten. Measuring all parts to use only as much material as you need. You will need atleast 2 other clamps also. With the DDM Intake, it puts the intake pipe at an awkward angle and actually pulls the connection apart when the engine moves. This is what I did with mine, and it worked perfectly. The only thing is, the intake pipe will rub against the water reservoir. No biggie. Its rigid enough to handle it. Hope this helps.

 

i had the same issue
http://defendersofspeed.com/store/pr...?id_product=19
got this clamp and never happened again. Dont tighten too much though because over tightening it causes it to come off

 

^^ Yep, that will do it too! ^^

 

I would say cover the inlet of the turbo, and spray hairspray in the outside. That's how most people do there IC piping on other platforms.

 

Same problem : I used a thin wire between the clamp screw and the turbo oil feed ; it works.
BUT! Why does this thing come off if the turbo is sucking on it for air?

 

Most likely you have a crack in the pipe. Inspect it. I purchased the JCW hard pipe from mini parts mass as a replacement when I had the issue.