I have a 2008 Mini Cooper base model hatchback. Vacuum pump seal was leaking, so I tried a seal kit. Took the old pump out changed the seals, when I put it back together evidently I messed something up and the slides inside moved. So the old pump sized. I ordered a new one, got it in and lined it up with the camshaft, and now the car won't start. It turns over but acts like the timing is off. With the pump sized, could it have moved the camshaft?

 

if you think the pump seized, it is not wise to keep cranking the car. open up the valve cover and take a look at the chain if it snapped or sprocket came out. take your time and dont rush.

newtis.info is a great source.

 

The original did seize. I put another on today and now it won't start. I'm afraid the timing is the issue now, just haven't pulled the timing cover yet.

 

Pulled the valave cover and the center mount bolt for the front camshaft has sheered off. Chain and guides look ok so far. Could it be as simple as resetting the timing and putting in a new bolt (I'm sure it would have to be drilled out) or replacing the camshaft?

 

Here is the visible damage.

 

Not sure if the pictures came through, but I'm thinking if the bolt was the weak point and the bolt twisted and broke, then the front camshaft wasn't moving and the rear would move along with the timing chain which is why the guilds aren't broken. So my question now is could the valves be damaged?

 

no picture...you could try bolt removal tools to get the broken bolt out. Then, buy another bolt and try to reset the timing. do a compression test afterwards to determine if valves got bent. In rare occasion they dont bent. so be prepared for the worst.

where are you located?

 

I'm outside Houston. Found a local mechanic that will take care of the bolt and set the timing for $200. It's worth a try.

 

That's not bad. Although i would DIY to save the money for other parts and things in case it was a fail. Fingers crossed, keep us posted.

 

It's a time and patience thing with me now. I'm better off letting someone else do it. I'll post an update.

 

I have to agree with MiniTobe, from reading your post so far, it may not sound like much, but the fact that vacuum had seized, I'm afraid that there are other components having to fight through the seizure when the engine is put to motion. Best to perform a compression test before you try to only fix what's visibly bad.

I'm on the southwest side of Houston. I work on my own car, may be able to help if you need me.

 

Thanks. I just started back on my work set too, so I won't be able to get to it. Sounds like a solid idea to ask the mechanic to check the compression first.

 

Well, I ended up taking the car to a mechanic down the street. He works out of his garage, and to be honest, I was a little leery of having someone work on it that didn't have Mini certifications of some sort because of past history with two mechanics. But he took a look at it and long story short, car is on the road again with no issues. He bought a new bolt for the cam gear and I bought a Mini timing tool. Best part was the labor and bolt was $250. I took him three weeks to get to it and finish it, but it was worth it for the savings. Thanks for the advice!

 

You just dodged a very big bullet. Go buy some lottery tickets 😎