I have a burning rubber smell that comes from my engine every time I drive the mini around. It started one or two days ago and I haven't driven the mini since. I'm thinking a belt might be going out? There are no warning lights on. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks

 

Usually, crank pulley, check it for movement.

 

How do I check it for movement? The gap where the pulley is is too small to fit my hand in.

 

you would have to remove passenger tire then the well liner to look at it an play with it. its not to hard to remove those two things.

 

I would also bet on the crank pulley.
You might be able to see the pulley wobble with the engine running.
If you need to take the liner off to get a better look the plastic screws holding the wheel well liner tend to strip-out easy so you might want to purchase some if you have a source near by. If you do not have a source for the screws just be careful. If you only strip one or two everything will go back together OK, with a couple screws, missing until you can get replacement screws.

 

Yeah, crank pulley is most likely the suspect. Go w/ aftermarket harmonic dampers, not solid nor OEM.

 

okay thanks for the advice, the mini is a 2004 s with 95k miles on it, just for a little more info. I have the tire off now I'm taking off the liner tomorrow. I'll let you guys know what I find

 

If the crank pulley is suspect, will I have to replace both the belt and the pulley itself? Is this what I should be looking at buying?
http://www.amazon.com/Performance-Ha.../dp/B008DYZQ3G

 

It also sounds like it could be a crank pulley.

If you're going to go aftermarket... Go with the ATI super damper.

Buy it from waymotorworks or summit racing.

Good luck!

 

Should I get a new crank bolt with the order and what does the 2% over drive do?

 

2% overdrive spins the charger, alternator & A/C at a higher RPM than stock

 

Is it worth the extra $25 for a performance gain?

 

I got the non 2% ATI, as I wanted mine as close to stock. It's actually about .8% bigger in diameter than OEM. Your call on going 2%, the added cost is still cheaper than a charger pulley. Just ask Way if you could still be on stock belt size. Peace of mind is priceless.

 

Okay thanks for you help so far

 

Normally you can use the same belt with the +2% ATI, but since you have 95k on the car & have to take the belt off anyway, replace it. Just ask Way or Chad or whomever you get the pulley from to set you up with the appropriate belt also, plus, may be worth looking into renting the puller & install tool from them also, if you're going to do it yourself.

 

The 2% will spin the supercharger a little faster which will increase the boost by about 0.5 to 1 psi thus increasing your horsepower slightly.
I went with the 2% pulley. I have a JCW S/C pulley with the 2% crank and used the JCW belt size. I believe stock size belt will work with 2% but you can double check with whomever you purchase the pulley from.
I suggest that you replace the belt.
You should also replace the crank bolt.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/super-d...ulley-r53.html
You will need to buy/borrow a belt removal tool.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/cooper-...-tool-r53.html
You will need a pulley puller tool similar to (I got mine from harbor freight for $15).
http://www.waymotorworks.com/crank-p...l-r52-r53.html

 

Okay thanks for the information

 

After getting the wheel and well liner off I got a good look at the pulley and after running it for a little bit i got the smell and I noticed movement on the pulley. I have a mechanic friend who's going to come over during the weekend to help me change the pulley and belt out. I'll keep you guys updated

 

Can I use the OEM belt replacement with the ATI super damper? I tried contacting wmw but got no response.

 

Yes.

 

Search around for 'tools needed' on this job: it can be a bit of a PITA without special tools.

 

I saw the special tools required and I will have them, thanks though