So I have been getting a hiccup and then a cloud of smoke from the tailpipe under hard acceleration occasionally. It doesn't do it everytime but enough that it's embarrassing when it happens and annoying. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm running a 2010 clubman with JCW intake, WMW catless, and helix intercooler on a stage 2+ tune.

 

i have the same issue under load. It was there before the tune but certainly more noticeable now with the extra boost. What you are experiencing is called SUPERKNOCK. Search NAM, there' a lot of info on this. It has to do with your fuel grade and pinging/detonation. Make sure you are using top tier fuel and 93+ octane. I always use top tier but I find that my MCS does not like Shell fuel, it causes more superknock than other top tier vendors. Exxon-Mobil seems to work better or you can throw some octane booster in your tank. I spoke with my Manic dealer and he suggested that I run colder spark plugs... I have yet to do so as I just changed plugs 2k miles ago to prepare for the tune. He recommends the Mitsubishi Evo plugs - NGK Iridium ILKR8E6 stock# 1422. Cleaning or blasting the carbon buildup off your intake valves is supposed to help as well, again, mine were cleaned 2k miles ago when I changed the plugs.

PS - you should notice a clicking or ratcheting sound coming from the motor when this happens. Let me know if you come across any useful info. Its driving me crazy. Definitely make sure to take my advice regarding the fuel. It helps out A LOT but unfortunately it does not eliminate the situation 100%.

 

Yea I only run premium in the car and have been using the evo plugs since it was tuned. I work for mini so I've had the carbon cleaning done here at my store. I also replaced the HPFP cause I thought that might be the issue. I'm going to drop it off with a manic dealer for a few days for some diagnostics see if they can figure it out.

 

I too had my HPFP replaced under warranty about 1.5k miles ago. Unfortunately I do not think Mini, or anyone else, has ever identified a complete fix to this issue. Given that its octane related I think that switching the Manic tune, to a Map that rated for 91 octane, may also help out quite a bit.

Please keep me posted on your findings and I will do the same. Thx bud.

 

This can also happen when oil mist from the valve cover enters the intake tract. When this happens the effective octane rating can drop below 86 resulting in superknock. OCC on the boost side helps unless the valve cover is failing.

 

Have you checked the coil packs? One might be on its way out.

 

I will check both of those items. Whatever it is I want to get it fixed while I'm still under CPO

 

Like Tigger said, we have seen lots of melted or nonfunctioning Valve covers. Might be worth it to replace with a new gasket and add Oil Catch Can OCC

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

Hold up.... your modded and tuned and still covered under warrenty? That would be awes9me if that's the case but I thought a tune pretty much sealed the deal with you losing coverage lol.

 

So you are having this issue when you are injecting meth?

 

"Legally" the modification (i.e. tune) has to be the cause of the malfunction for MINI to deny the warranty claim. That being said MINI can deny anything for any reason and you'll have battle it out in arbitration or court. Typically, MINI has deeper pockets than any of us.

 

Some dealers are mod friendly....
Know we have 2 in the area....good luck, but excess heat from a tune is possible... Might not even ask....