So I got my MCS about 3 weeks ago and it is a temperamental blast. It is fun to but can have a little of an attitude. Normally I am pretty confident when it comes to engines and normal maintenance. But my MINI throws me for a loop. I once looked at it funny and it acted up. So my question is, is it safe to run seafoam through the engine via the oil like I have done so many times before with cars past? Sorry if the question seems a little strange or off but I don't want to upset my mini.

 

Here's a thread where the seafoam treatment is discussed. Hope it helps...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-r55-r56.html

 

Congrats on your MINI purchase

Why do you think it needs Seafoam run though the oil ? If you are looking for a carbon buildup removal remedy, the seafoam would be introduced via the PCV line which runs to the area of the thottle body.

 

Thank you thank you,
Seems like every time I have a question if i look on here it has already be asked and answered you guys are awesome.
gRay I was told to add about 1/3 through the PCV line and the rest to the crank case a run it if 300-500 miles then an oil change. I have done that on all my other cars just figured it had something to do with cleaning any deposits through the engine, just blindly doing never asked.

 

Don't run that stuff through your oil. If you feel adamantly about cleaning the inside of the crankcase and oil pan, get some Gunk Engine Flush when you change the oil the next time. The Gunk flush is put into the crankcase and the engine is run for 5 minutes at idle (do not drive). Then the oil is drained. You can do the seafoam treatment through the PCV valve as well. By the way, cool screen name!!!

 

Do NOT put any additive of any kind in your oil. You risk engine damage. And what's with all this effort to clean the inside of your motor?? If you use quality oil, preferably synthetic, and change it regularly, there's absolutely no reason at all to clean out your engine. Like I said, anything you put in there can greatly alter the lubricating properties of the oil and you risk damage.

And frankly, unless you know for sure you've got carbon build up in your combustion chambers, I wouldn't use that junk at all. It's become fashionable to use it but it's really not that great and it's primarily a waste of money. And the only way to actually know if you've got enough carbon build up in the cylinders is to pull the plugs and put a bore scope down in there for a look see.

But geez, in any case, keep that stuff out of your oil. (You've been lucky so far.)

 

Thank you for saving me from making a costly mistake. Like I just said I just got this car and do now know what the previous owner(s) used or did.

This all started because of a SES light that read misfire in cylinder 1 and something about low fuel in that cylinder. Before I start changing out part after part just figured I would ask around and try things that have worked for me in the past.

 

Running engine flush for 5 minutes at idle is NOT going to hurt the engine. And if you didn't know, these cars run rich from the factory thus causing....you guessed it....carbon build up. The seafoam treatment through the PCV valve isn't going to do any detrimental damage to the engine. Running it through the oil could however.

 

Is this car new or used? If new, I doubt the problem has to do with carbon build-up. Take it to your dealer.

 

It is an 03 MCS with 159k on it. I think it might be out of warranty.

 

I'd say!!!!! With that many miles on the car, it's time to look at replacing some items. Plugs, plug wires, bypass valve, check for any vacuum leaks, might want to look at servicing the supercharger and replace any associated gaskets. Things like this will help the car out tremendously.

What symptoms is the car showing? A lot of times, the R53s have good days and bad days. Some days mine runs crisp and smooth, and other days it can be a total PIA.

 

It was/is idling rough when the cel is on but since I put changed plugs and put sea-foam through the gas task she haas been behaving pretty well.

Forgive my ignorance but I have never had a super charged car before. So I have to ask what maintenance are you referring to. I know the previous owner told me he changed the wires and ignition coil.

 

The supercharger maintenance is taking the supercharger off the car and inspecting how much oil is in both sides. Chances are, with that many miles, you might not have that much oil. You also inspect the gears to make sure they are spinning good and there is no damage. Costs a lot, but can save you some money down the road if you have to buy a new supercharger.

 

I took the intercooler off the other day and noticed there was a small amount of oil in there. Is that normal? Is this something I can do myself?

 

And changing out the supercharger belt at the specified intervals.

 

I've never had the supercharger off the car and I'm not that familar with how buried the one fill plug is (the other is visible and accessible), but if I ever had it off the car, I'd be real tempted to modify it so that on-the-car oil level inspections and changes could be done easily. I'm sure there's a way to do it.

 

Oil in the intercooler is normal. The supercharger removal is a royal PITA, but can be done at home. It's easy, just tedious.

 

Thanks guy. It sounds like I am going to be getting dirty. I think if I take off the super I will be putting on a 15% pulley. Is there snything I should be caerful about if I do that?