R50/53 Engine fire questions
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
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From: New York
Engine fire questions
Hello all,
I just bought a 2002 cooper about a month ago and I put over 1000 miles on it in the first 2 weeks just driving. Then I found this forum and started reading about the engine fires so I'm afraid to even drive the thing now. I just want to know a few things
1) How common are these fires? Like 1 in 500, In a 1000?
2) Is it true the new pump design >2005 solves this problem?
I really don't mind crawling under the car every 2 or 3 years to change the pump as long as it will be reliable in that time.
Sorry to ask so many questions on a first post but I really don't know what to do at this point other than sell it while I can still look someone in the eye and say it works fine. I don't want to as I really like the car, just not enough to die over.
Thanks.
I just bought a 2002 cooper about a month ago and I put over 1000 miles on it in the first 2 weeks just driving. Then I found this forum and started reading about the engine fires so I'm afraid to even drive the thing now. I just want to know a few things
1) How common are these fires? Like 1 in 500, In a 1000?
2) Is it true the new pump design >2005 solves this problem?
I really don't mind crawling under the car every 2 or 3 years to change the pump as long as it will be reliable in that time.
Sorry to ask so many questions on a first post but I really don't know what to do at this point other than sell it while I can still look someone in the eye and say it works fine. I don't want to as I really like the car, just not enough to die over.
Thanks.
Coordinator :: Eastern Iowa MINIs
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 4
From: Decorah, IA
What they said... 
Of course, if you want near total peace of mind there's a few things you can put on your to-do list:
1. You might consider updating the Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump cooling fan to the latest version available from the MINI parts inventory. There's some extra protective circuitry, you'll have the new fan bearings, and at the very least the protective grill will help keep road debris out of the fan blades. It's easier to change than your wiper blades -- two bolts and a plug.
2. When you have it in the shop for routine maintenance, make a point of having the tech inspect the electrical connections to the EHPS pump and surrounding wiring harness for any signs of unusual corrosion or melting. If present, it'd probably be a good idea to consider repair/replacement.
3. If that unique (and, I think, lovely) high pitched whine of the EHPS pump ever changes to a grinding noise, if the fan stays on for a long time even after the engine has been shut down, or if your steering response starts to grab or feel funky, time to have a good mechanic check it out.
Enjoy your MINI. The '02 is the closest thing to a classic!
Of course, if you want near total peace of mind there's a few things you can put on your to-do list:
1. You might consider updating the Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump cooling fan to the latest version available from the MINI parts inventory. There's some extra protective circuitry, you'll have the new fan bearings, and at the very least the protective grill will help keep road debris out of the fan blades. It's easier to change than your wiper blades -- two bolts and a plug.
2. When you have it in the shop for routine maintenance, make a point of having the tech inspect the electrical connections to the EHPS pump and surrounding wiring harness for any signs of unusual corrosion or melting. If present, it'd probably be a good idea to consider repair/replacement.
3. If that unique (and, I think, lovely) high pitched whine of the EHPS pump ever changes to a grinding noise, if the fan stays on for a long time even after the engine has been shut down, or if your steering response starts to grab or feel funky, time to have a good mechanic check it out.
Enjoy your MINI. The '02 is the closest thing to a classic!
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