this will be my first post since comin across this site a while back. A little background to start. I recently purchased a 2004 MCS R53 w/ a 6 speed gearbox. The car has 162,000 miles, and i know that seems like a lot but it was only a commuter car to NYC (45min from me) its whole life. Everything seemed to check out when I drove it and i only paid $3,800 for it. he did say that it would need a tensioner, which i expected after reading up the forums like crazy before hand. the question at hand is whether or not I should replace my timing chain with the tensioner?? If its not stretched should I just leave it in there? just need some advice so i don't have to go under the car twice

 

Why does he think it needs it?

 

He might have been referring to the SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER....different part...
The timing chain on the gen1 mini is usually good till a motor is rebuilt unless run very low on oil...
The tensioner CAN get weak....easy external fix/change.

 

thank you for the advice. and i dont really know why he thought it needed it, probably just concerned of mileage on the original one.

 

Wait for a cool morning and start your vehicle.

My 2005 MCS needs a new timing chain tensioner but you would never know it during the warm summer months.

 

I know I'm a little late on this but I'll throw it in there anyway.

Timing chains on your car are basically considered lifetime, unless there was somehow physical damage to it the normal stretch that occurs over even 200k motors is so slight that the tensioner will take up the slack just fine.
As far as the tensioner is concerned, it's a spring loaded piston that expands with engine oil pressure, over time they will develop a slight groove or lip from basic wear, this will cause them to stick and no longer expand properly, this will usually start with some slight tapping during start up and eventually end up as a horribly loud, gravel in my engine or diesel like noise.
Replacement is simple, can be done in about 15 to 30 min. with the right tools (19mm swivel head socket works best) from the top, no "need" to go under the car, just make sure you torque it properly when you install the new one, the bolt WILL back out if it's not tightened properly. (Big mess and mucho oil loss).
With 162k there's a good chance it's been replaced once already and most likely in the 75-80k range, the previous owner may have just been giving you an early warning.

Good luck with it and enjoy.

 

+1 on what blown away said, good advice.

Here is the digram. These are single overhead cams on the Gen 1 MINIs. With the two side guides , one side has that tensioner #6 and the little cap #7 .



#6 CHAIN TENSIONER Part # 11317510801

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11317510801/




#7 Screw Plug With Gasket For Tensioner 11317562528

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11317562528/



Most people just replace them together and the cap has that new crush washer.

Thanks

 

resurrecting an old thread, did the replacement of the tensioner about 4k miles ago, rattling came back. So i am ***** deep into fixing the timing chain now and have everything on the car ripped off, found chunks of plastic from the intake side chain guide in the oil pan and have all the parts to replace timing chain, both guides, and new tensioner on my way out. About to take cam sprocket off and get the old chain out, i will post up when done a post as to the differences in length between new and old chain after 130k miles

 

Thanks for the update, post up some pics if you can. Sounds like the guides had there life.