Hello, i have a 2004 MCS with 76k. Ever since i got the car (used) it seems to run quite warm, with the intercooler rather hot to touch, as if it were an iron. The car does have a lightweight pulley but idk the size since i didnt put it there. Do the 53's typically run hot since its boosted or is this something else?

 

What does your temp gauge look like? Do your engine bay fans stay on for a while after you turn your car off?

I'd say it sounds normal unless one of these things are giving you issues.

 

Mine doesn't have a temp gauge.. So I don't really know how hot it is exactly

 

Not even on the center speedometer? Maybe that's a weird '04 thing I don't know about.

 

Lol yep! Mine had the navigation in the center and actually has the speedometer next to the tach, which is rather rare. Check my pix of the interior

 

My '02's intercooler and ducts have always run rather hot. Enough to melt ice quickly. I'll let a more technologically-talented owner explain in detail and figures how the supercharger heats the intake air as it compresses it and the intercooler is there to cool the air hence it is hot trying to expel the heat.

I've had a Alta 15% pulley for 80,000+ miles. The reduced pulley means it spins faster than a OEM pulley would meaning it is compressing and heating the air faster, one would think. Ergo you may wish to get the mod bug and go install yourself a larger intercooler, I never did. The lifespan of the supercharger is probably reduced by . . . . 15%. I'm on my second supercharger though the first didn't appear that bad when it was removed and disassembled.

Enjoy your MINI.

 

If I where you, I would get a OBDII bluetooth adapter (if you have an Android smartphone along with the free app Torque) to check on the temperature amongst other things like ECU errors and such. Or a stand-alone OBDII device that's always on (forgot the name of the product, sorry), but I feel that its an important (and cheap) gadget to have on your car.

At the moment my '02 MCS has a bad 1st stage fan, and even in the summer heat and in traffic it runs at about 98C reaching the very occasional 112C (when the 2nd stage fan kicks in).

Sorry, I've never touched the intercooler with bare hands to gauge how hot it is, but maybe my temps will give you a clue of how hot it gets.

Cheers!
Rayamx

 

Raymax I think you got your reading a wee bit wrong. The temps you mention are Celsius! For Fahrenheit, my '03MCS runs in the range of 193F. - to about 198 -200F. It varies according to the thermostat opening and closing.
Bentley states low fan kicks on at 221 F. and shuts at 224 F. Fan switches to high speed at 234 F. Low speed fan is always on when running AC.

I'm running a ScanGauge II, great investment if you want to keep a close eye on what the actual engine temp. is doing and no I don't have shares in the company. Hope I've helped?

 

I've got an 04 and mine is the same. I always thought this was normal. I'm throwing on a 15% tomorrow too. Hope that doesn't hurt it! Haha.

 

Thanks guys.. I've never looked at a Bentley book though, I really wanna find one for a better price... I'll try to get a live engine data reader for it and possibly a new intercooler

 

Well, its not my reading whats wrong, its my writing! Lol

My readings are in fact Celsius, not Fahrenheit...

Thanks for the clarification!

 

I have a temp gauge on my MCS and it's usually between 100 -110 Celsius.

 

You're welcome, just wanted try and help.
Cheers Ed

 

I don't think its the time to replace the intercooler..many threads on this.

Relax, your car is fine, if you are really concerned don't spin your wheels, get yourself a temp. gauge or have a dealer diagnostic.

 

My fan has been on for about an hour.... any suggestions?