So I noticed that while my car is idling you can hear a ticking noise coming from the engine somewhere. I'm hoping its not a lifter tick or valve tapping, but im not sure. Alot of people say it is probably just the DFI I was just hoping that someone could confirm this for me as I just picked up my MINI a week ago.

Thanks and Happy Motoring!
Chase

will update with video in a minute

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kB9S...ature=youtu.be

 

Could just be a lazy lifter, but is that coming from the PCV valve ? (Top left side of valve cover )

What is your oil level and when was the last time it was changed ?

 

My oil is a little less than half way up the end of the dipstick. I just bought the car, but it says 1400 miles till the next change. The oil is a good color and smells fine. Not sure how to check the PCV valve. It does sound like its sucking a bit of air but I assumed it was the supercharger

 

If you have a 1st Gen S, the Oil should be to the top of the tips concave hash marked section. If R50 then to the fill line on the strap.

As a rule when buying a used MINI from non dealer, first task would be to change the oil and filter. Use OEM filer or a MANN filter. Most of the others you would be asking for trouble.

I say this because you never know what the person used for oil last change. Maybe they went cheap and used dyno oi or improper oil viscosity/weight ? You never know. And that could contribute to noises not normally heard.

IMO especially since you are so close to a change, do a complete oil change with a premium fully Synthetic oil. I prefer Amsoil Signauture Series but some use Redline or Mobil 1 and even Castrol. Weight should be 5W-30.

Mini recomends API rating of SM or better. I dont go beyond 7K between changes. My personal preference

Doing an oil change will also put you in a position to see any other pending issues under the engine. ( oil leaks ect. )

 

Alright sounds good thanks for all the help!

 

does the ticking only happen on a cold start and then go away after a little buit of driving?

 

My Mini service advisor said it because the parts are hydraulic. The ticking noise is typical until the pressure builds up and the parts are lubricated properly. The ticking noise goes away then.

 

the ticking goes away once the oil viscosity changes due to oil temperature. its not typical and can be fixed with new hydraulic lash tappets. iv also heard of people using an oil additive

 

The service advisor says its typical............... and I own two Mini hardtops - a 2008 and a 2012 - and both have the ticking noise. If not typical then I am just lucky?

 

it IS something that typically happens on the n18 and lci engines but i can assure you its not supposed to be like that. it happens because the oil passage way running into the hydraulic tappets gets clogged and doesn't become unclogged until the oil thins out from the heat and is able to squeeze into the little hole. go get into a brand new car and i promise it wont do this. id say its due to a design flaw

 

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Only the 2007s and newer are direct injection. I believe the op was referring to a gen 1 with noise or posted in wrong forum.

I too have a loud tick on start up but im going to be pro active and replace the timing chain tensioner as ive narrowed down my noise to the passenger side of my valve cover.

Back on topic though, I agree oil additives like a bottle of Lucas may help the op with his noise if he cares to get rid of it.

 

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Hey guys just thought I would give a quick update for anybody else with this problem. I took it to my local oilstop because I was headed out on a trip and didn't have time to do a change. They drained all the old stuff out and it was topped off with some mobil1 5w-30 along with a filter and the ticking is completely gone now!
Thanks for all your help and Happy Motoring

 

That would be true for your R56. Wrong section.

 

Yeah just neeed some new/correct oil.

Good to hear.

 

Gen1 MINI cars with the prince motor..the r50/r53/r53 DO NOT HAVE DFI injection....that did not happen till the NEXT generation of MINI motors...

 

Good to hear the MODS are hard at work!!