Well, after dipping my toes into Mini Cooper ownership with an R60 non-turbo FWD, I just picked up a new puppy to rescue: 2011 Countryman S All4. Apologies for not posting in R60 section, but this gets more traffic and I'm looking for guidance on N18 anyway. The previous owner got rid of the car and told me it's because of these issues:- cracked valve cover- failed turbo The car produces heaps of smoke as soon as it starts up. I didn't even attempt to drive it on the road. He mentioned that when he was losing oil due to the cracked VC, he attempted to recrify the problem by putting "Lucas heavy oil" in. My best guess is that he has used Lucas Stop Leak. Then he lost power and a shop told him that the turbo has filled with oil and failed. I am guessing that oil feed line got completely clogged and lack of proper oil killed the turbo. That is all I know. Is there anything I should do to confirm the above, or just get a new valve cover and turbo along with oil lines? Also, is the Stop Leak in the engine a concern? I plan to dump in some Seafoam, run it for a few minutes and then drain the oil before turbo removal. Given the above, is the turbo rebuildable or should I just get another unit? I am even thinking of a used one. I will get new oil lines either way. Thanks for any guidance!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

I wouldn't run the car as is. I suggest you start with an oil change and see if you can temporarily seal the crack in the valve cover. You can pull the vacuum line on the turbo so the wastegate stays open. After you get these done,start the car and see if the smoke improves. You may have oil in the cat so hopefully it will burn off. Kenny u-pull in Elmsdale has a few Minis, not sure if they have the N18 though.

BTW, I am in Dartmouth and saw the ad for that R60. I was very tempted to buy it. I also have a spare (used turbo) available.

 

Wow, small world!Yes, that's the R60, I'm trying to save.  If the smoke improves, then any oil besides what's in the turbo has burned off a bit, correct?​​​​​​​But the turbo still needs to be replaced, correct?​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​P.S. I have no idea why the paragraph spacing doesn't work when I post.​​​​​​​

 

I'm not sure how oil would get into the induction or exhaust side of the turbo. There are oil paths to keep the bearings lubricated but those areas are normally sealed. The turbo housing could have an internal crack and oil may be seeping where it shouldn't be.

The smoke could be from oil seeping into the cylinders and then getting into the turbo. Pull the plugs and have a look inside. I have a borescope if you need help.

 

A quick update for everyone... I discovered that the previous mechanic attempted to replace the PCV diaphram and actually broke the valve cover piece that secures the PCV diaphram cover. the cover was effectively just sitting there. Also, the vent pipe from the VC to the intake tube is missing the metal clip, so there is a ton of oil residue as it's obviously not sealing there at all.This tells me the PCV system is essentially not functioning at all and this is causing excess pressure coupled with high oil level and results in oil pushed back to the turbo and thus leaking out of it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The compressor side of turbo has oil residue on the vanes and there is oil in the intake tube from the mentioned PCV pipe. I bet the intercooler is filled with oil. There is minimal shaft play and no evidence of vanes contacting housing.​​​​​​​There is also a bit of oil leaking inside the turbine side that I can see on the vanes and behind them. Cat has some oil on it, but is quite open still. I'm not sure the turbo has completely failed yet. Or does oil coming out both sides mean it is gone? My theory is that it's the result of the failed PCV system. Oh and the air filter was incredibly filthy! My plan now is to:- change oil and filter- change air fiter- replace spark plugs (they must be fouled)- replace valve cover- rig up some clip to hold the vent pipe to the intake tube (Mini wants $140 for the whole pipe!)- remove intercooler and clean it out Start it up and see if the smoke improves and clears and then inspect the turbo again. I am hoping that it will stop leaking.

 

sounds like you;re on the right track, keep us updated!

 

After replacing the valve cover and spark plugs and air filter, I still have a ton of smoke at idle. About a cup of oil came out of the intercooler.

I only let it idle for a couple of minutes and saw no improvement in smoke, so I'm trying to determine my next step: replace the turbo or valve stem seals. It could also be a restricted turbo oil return line, which also requires turbo removal.

 

I just want to come back to thread to update others.
I ended up replacing the turbo with a good used unit. I also replaced the feed and return oil hoses. The return line was totally collapsed and the rubber was very weak and would burst any moment. So, after replacing all the seals, hoses, PCV, valve cover, I went to install the downpipe and noticed that the catalytic mesh inside was loose, so the cat was done as well. I bought a replacement aftermarket cat. After installing everything, the smoke was there still, but started to dissipate after a few idling sessions and good drives. It does take a looong time to clear it up.
I hope this helps others chasing this issue.

In summary, replace your PCV!
Failed PCV leads to excess crankcase pressure and oil will be pushed out where it shouldn't go. In my case, it led to failed turbo and killed the cat, O2 sensor, fouled spark plugs, flooded intercooler and exhaust. All because of a $0.50 PCV membrane and a mechanic who messed up its replacement.

 

Yep most of the time its the valve cover, next its the valve stem seals or the turbo.

Glad you figured it out.