So I'm looking at a very nice 07 MCS which is fully loaded with GPS and the works. It has suffered a lower timing gear failure, most likely due to someone allowing the chain tensioner and guides to go way beyond their wear limits.

So there it sits, bent valves and all just waiting to be bought cheap and fixed but and here is the big BUTT. Does someone have first hand experience with this? Should I expect piston damage too? Aside from a head rebuild and a new timing set, is there any other collateral damage I should look for before I get too serious about tackling this project.

I'm an experienced technician but not on this engine which is why I'm seeking your collective wisdom.

Ok let's have it guys!

 

It better be real cheap price. You won't know the extent of the damage until you get the head and oil pan off...

 

Agreed,

Which is why I have to assume that everything is toast and hope that the short block will be ok. This is why I ask the forum for some real world experiences so I can establish a worst case scenario.

A complete engine is close to $4 grand plus shipping etc etc which is probably worst case.

I'm thinking a head job for $500+/- and a new timing set at $300 plus a set of timing tools which I should buy anyway and it would be back in the running for just over a grand. How far off base am I?

 

You will need to change the timing chain ( kit ), check the head / pistons / and all the valves , then a head gasket kit..etc. That would be the least, and then having the time to do all of this.

2007 R56 MCS

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Engine/




Good luck.

 

Typically, the bottom end isn't destroyed, but it can be. MINI's prices are creeping up on a new motor so that'll be the key to the value of your dead MINI. I think you've underestimated your fix prices a little. I would budget for $1k to a machine builder for the head fix alone. The timing set is between $3-400, tools, oil, gaskets.

 

Here’s a list of what I ran into when I upgraded a good, working R56 —-

Don’t even think about it without a Bentley service manual —- for torque and tightening sequence specs, stretch bolt ID, and other helpful procedure hints.

Pulled the engine / tranny so —-
-service the A/C
-new coolant / oil & filter
-new drive shaft seals
-new trans fluid (MTF LT-4 or equiv hard to find)
-wheel alignment

Tools for head work —-
-timing set
-chain tensioner
-fuel injector seal removal / installation
-good set of torx / star sockets
-drive shaft seal removal / installation

Head gasket is not included in the gasket set for the head —- there are 2 different thicknesses available. Exhaust manifold gasket is also not included. Dealers cost for these 3 items alone was almost $400. Napa gets about $14 for each NGK spark plug, when they can find them. Shop other vendors.

Might not need to pull the whole engine, depending on what’s broken. But probably save some skinned knuckles and pain pills if you pull it —- not a lot of working room in there. Also easier to clean out any metal debris.

If you find metal filings in the pan, you want new bearings. My con rod set was $278 dealer price. I didn’t mess with crank bearings —- these are color-coded and not obvious to the Mini novice how / where to replace them. I also had no damage to worry about.

I spent $1700 on CP / Carrillo rods and pistons. OEM parts should be less, but not much. If you need to replace these, you might also need cylinder re-bore, depending on damage.

Then camshaft caps —- these are not interchangeable between heads, so if damaged / scored, the whole head is shot. I’m told the caps are machined as part of the head, for each cam. Also, there are no bearings for the cams, so if you have metal filings, inspect everything before re-assembly.

Now, all this is my experience with upgrading my '07 MCS. Others may not agree with my suggestions, and they might be right. Short cuts and better prices are available, your choice.

 

I just sold the Bentley manual I had for my Audi Quattro Coupe. It was an impressive manual but I'm shocked to see people using a huge paper manual on these newer modern cars. Isn't there an electronic manual available or have they got that locked up tight so they can charge an arm and a leg for it? I have a Vag-Com for my Audis but only the OBD II works on the Mini unfortunately.

So it sounds like I should plan for at least 2K and that's without any huge surprises and with me doing all the heavy lifting, which is man cave therapy anyway.

I know the head is off already but I don't know how long ago it was pulled or how the engine was protected from the elements after it was opened up. Lots of unknowns.

hmmmmm it's cheap but is it cheap enough?

 

The only on-line info I've been able to find and use is RealOEM.com. Illustrated parts breakdown. Enter the last few VIN digits and get all the part numbers you want.

If it's man-cave therapy you want, get this Mini --- the '07 version should keep you "occupied"!

 

You can always borrow or pick up a cheap borescope and remove the spark plugs. It'll give you a good view of the tops of the pistons. Not a definitive answer, for sure, but at least it'll let you know if there's any obvious damage.

 

That's a good idea, although most cheap (Harbor Freight) borescopes are too big to fit in the spark plug journal of a R56. You can get it down the tube and see some of the piston top, but not the sides or walls. Just be sure it'll fit before you buy one.

 

Well, I located a good used motor this morning as it seemed the best option. Once I had that sorted, I called to play on the car and it was sold!

So, in the immortal words of Maxwell Smart, "missed it by that much"....

However, it was a great research project and I'm now better prepared to pounce on the next opportunity without hesitation.