Is the first step in deciding to do a timing chain replacement, measuring the existing tensioner? Other than the "death rattle" is this the most effective way of seeing how far along it is?

Later,
Aaron

 

The chains themselves are basiclly considered "lifetime", honestly I don't ever remember hearing of a "chain" failure, even in 200k motors like mine.

 

I get that. But is there a measurement for the tensioner itself? I'd rather be able to self diagnose and fix. I should have also posted this on the 2nd gen topic, my phone is smarter than me.

 

I have a shop around me that builds racing minis & services daily drivers, the owner and techs have told me that they have never had to replace a chain or chain tensioner, If you are hearing a noise its most likely a best tensioner. Ive relaced my chain tensioner for 50 bucks and 30min of my time.

 

Aaron, assuming you have a 2nd gen, the measurement tool is really the only way to determine that status of the chain. Find the SIM and it will provide the measurements. If you can get access to the top end of the cartridge (take off valve cover or use a camera maybe) you could inspect the chain guides to see whether they have broken or are otherwise damaged.

If you have surfed any of the other threads about chain tensioners, there is a lot of chatter about MINI finally doing a recall on the chain cartridges. You may want to check that out.

I would not rely on the cold start rattle as the only way of diagnosing. Too many examples of problems coming up without the rattle being present.

 

Aaron,

I had the chain tensioner fail on me 3 times. So I figured I would replace the timing chain and all of it's cpmponents. (Sprockets, timing chain, chain tensioner and timincg chain guides, + all the gaskets and seals). I think that my problem was literrally the guides because they seemed to have some wear, making it not guide the chain correctly and with the vibration pushing the chain tensioner to the compressed position when accelerating (this caused the tensioner to get stuck in the compressed position hence the rattle). After changing everything, which I recommend, the problem was fixed. I have put 10k miles and runs like a charm and no more death rattle or whatever they call it. So far I have 144k on it and good to go for a looong time.

 

I got the email saying the service announcement is on the way, but I likely will just end up doing it myself. But please PM me, in case I have any problems.