Hey all, I like turning wrenches and like poking around in the MINI and completing my own maintenance but self-admittedly dont know as much about engines etc as I would like to. 2004MCS that just crossed 50K...

I have noticed a recent loss of power, or at least what i perceive to be a loss of power.

I am thinking that I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the system as exhaust sound has changed significantly recently - would this have a noticeable impact on power loss/boost loss? What would you experienced members offer as the best method to diagnose this? (I am also just thinking about going to the shop that did the one-ball for me and putting on the lift to check it out quick, but out of town on business has made this difficult for the past few weeks as they take the weekends off in the summer)

I have done a lot of searching and have stumbled upon some items that seem to be additional likely culprits;

BPV - might be time for the DT version?
Air filter cleaning? (I am going to do this anyway) - only ~6K miles on a K&N drop in though
Might be time for some seafoam treatment?
Maybe time to change the belts (I got it 10K miles ago and am not sure when or if they have been done)

As an aside the supercharger whine is not as pronounced as it was, but it might just be because my mind is focusing on the exhaust sound being off, then again this can be BPV related from what I have read.

Just looking for some recommendations on where to start, or how you would work through the issue - dont want to go to the dealership because i really want to learn how to do more things on the MINI myself. I do have a great local shop but this kind of negates my previous comment as well.

Thanks for any help and advice ...keep motoring...

 

Follow the sound and see where it is leaking from. This would not cause a loss of power like a turbo exhaust leak would.

BPV is a good one to check out, as this will do that.

Any codes? Check belt and tensioner is not slipping as this will definately cause a loss of power.

good luck keep us posted.

 

Along with the above you could try cleaning out your intercooler with some acetone. Just make sure it's good and dry before you reinstall. The air carries lots of oil vapor with it through the intercooler get's pretty nasty over time.

 

Thanks for the help! No codes, or at least no lights...

I guess ill just whack through the list that i have made one by one.

I have taken a look at the belt and didnt notice anything unusual, but this was at idle, any good advice on checking if i am getting slipping on my belt?

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...19-post24.html

 

awesome! thanks much will keep it updated as i continue to diagnose...