The spring fling was incredible. More than I could have hoped for and more. Wow, from the skid course to the track, it was an amazing learning experience. Thanks to EVERYONE!

Maybe I'm just more in tune with my Mini Cooper S (2004), but I noticed an odd moaning sound coming from the engine when I'm in neutral. I opened the bonnet and listened when a friend hit the gas....and yes, after the "normal" engine sound (and after letting off the gas), the engine makes a moaning sound, ehhimmm----mmm--mm---ummmm---- and then it winds down and only the normal engine sound can be heard . Btw, the moan is never the same, each time I test it. It's coming from the curved aluminum area (with the waffle grid) at the left of the engine. My apologies for the description, but I did check my manual and searched the web for a diagram of the "Mini Cooper S engine" in hopes that I could correctly name the area. Okay guys (Brad, Erik, Bryan, Barry) and gals (Angel) is that something the air intake part or the engine? And what's up with the moan?

Btw, the car ran fine on the drive home and later Saturday night. Some backfiring when I was checking the moan. I suppose that's a healthy purge after the event. The DSC light flickered a few times when I was coming up the hill...rather odd, but the least of my concerns. I do NOT like that moaning sound, especially after making my precious work so hard!

Lazule

 

Lazule,

Sounds like the infamous PCV valve hose problem. The valve goes bad on our cars and the hose turns soft (starts deteriorating). Dealer will change. I think ALL of us had to have the hose changed.



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Waffle grid area is the intercooler. It was really dusty at the track so you should try and check your air cleaner and knock it against a wall or the ground to get the dirt and dust out. That may clear out the sound.

Dakine thinks it could be your pcv hose. THere is a black hose hnear the waffle area. Does it look oily? Squeeze it. Does it compress easily? If so, you'll need to have that replaced.

 

You did good on Saturday.

I'd check the PCV hose for softness, maybe it is collapsing and causing some noise.
Stand in front of the engine with the bonnet open. Look at the MINI engine plate and near it is a black elbow shaped 5/8th inch hose that should feel firm and cannot be easily squashed by your fingers. Try squeezing it and see if it is soft and mushy or if it easily slides off of the tube it is connected to on the top portion of the engine cover.

The PCV value goes bad sometimes within the first year and oil leaks into this hose which looses it's firmness and starts to soften. It then collapses and creates some noise. If yours is soft then report a bad PCV valve and hose.
If the sound persists then report it to the service dept.

Otherwise check that all of the hoses are clamped firmly and that nothing is loose or got unplugged.

 

Minihune, DaKine MIni and Beastmaster,

Thanks....problem solved!
PC Valve and hose is soft and oily. A little squishy, but not collapsing. Also a slightly loose connection at the top of the hose. What a relief. Will also check my air cleaner.

Just wondering if it's safe to drive my Mini while a wait to get service from the dealer??? If so, what kind of a warning would I get if the hose completely collapsed or fell off.

alohas,
Lazule

ps. Special thanks, Minihune, for describing the precise location, and to Beastmaster for the terminology.

 

Sounds like you found the culprit - great. I hate those unidentified MINI sounds - there seems to be so many!

It will be safe to drive a while. Mine has fallen loose many times. No warning that it came off so keep an eye on it. Once it comes off, it'll be too loose to go on again. I read on NAM that someone put a clamp on it and I did that too, however, the hose tore at the clamp point. I didn't have time to go to the dealer for just the hose so I bought same I.D. PCV hose at NAPA and put it on myself.

 

I'm with MINI USA. The problem you are experiencing sounds like a job for your MINI service center. We'd be more than happy to contact your service center on your behalf. If you'd like us to do that, please give us a call at 866.ASK.MINI and mention Reference # 200413900455 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

MINIDivision has found the hawaii forum!

 

You know, if you read the title really quick, it sounds kinky!