I have a weeping main bearing seal on the pully side. And the oil pan gasket needs to be replaced for the same reason. I figured it best to get them both done now.

While they are in there, taking stuff apart, does anyone have any suggestions for reasonable upgrades or wearable parts replacement ?

I have a 2003 MCS manufactured in March 03' with all options except aero kit and NAV. Currently running Alta 17%scp and matching NAPA belt replaced last month ( found leaks at that time ). and 64,000 miles.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I think that your oil pump would still be good with your mileage, but if you are so inclined, that part is right behind the cover.

Ah, RMW sells an oil pickup contraption that keeps the oil from sloshing away from the inlet during high G corners. It can prevent catastrophic starvation.

Also, when you take off the crank pulley, look it over for cracks in the rubber. If it were to tear, then you'd loose all belt driven accessories.

 

Thanks Nabeshin,
Performance aside, would you say the RMW part is better than the oem with regards to longevity ? And good idea on the crank pulley....The pulley itself is made of rubber ? Can you suggest an aftermarket one or is the MINI one decent enough ?

Found one......Alta has one for around $140.00+ship - and says that it's 60# lighter than the OEM one....can that be right ? Maybe I should get the belt tensioner stop while I'm at it.

 

Somewhere on this forum is a heavily debated thread about crank pulleys.

I recommend staying with the OEM crank pulley. The rubber in the OEM part is tuned to help absorb crank shaft torsional vibration and resonance at the frequency the engine generates the most torsional vibration and resonance. Leaving these forces unabsorbed will lead to engine failure.

I'm no engineer, and the following site does a better job of explaining it.
The principles are the same for all internal combustion engines.

http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine..._absorbers.htm



There is no OEM equivalent to the RMW oil pickup gate.

 

So using the non rubber one may have similar adverse effects as using an engine dampener ? Makes sense.

All that vibration will have to go somewhere. Probably better to leave that sort of stuff to the guys on the track whom have extra engines in standby in their garages...

Will be ordering the belt tensioner stop 4 sure.

Been a big help, thanks