Going to be tackling several gasket/seal related tasks very soon as part of my next oil change. Among them are the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, timing chain tensioner, cam & crank sensor 0-rings.

Because the price of the parts is minimal, and as a preventative maintenance measure, I was also contemplating changing out both timing chain guide rails, but have not found much information online in regard to performing the task.

It appears that this something that can easily be accomplished since the engine will be supported from underneath and upper motor mount removed to swap out the cam sensor o-ring. I'm guessing that the two large diameter screw plugs on the side of the head are access points to the two upper bolts that anchor the guide rails in? When the two bolts are removed, is it as simple as sliding the old rails out and the new ones back in, then reverse the procedure? Am I missing something major before I try this?

Looking forward to your thoughts and/or experiences on this task.

 

Timing chain kit here:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Engine/Timing/










DIY for cam/ timing chain, guides here and information:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html

http://workshop-manuals.com/mini/coo...ons/page_3724/

http://workshop-manuals.com/mini/coo...ce_and_repair/



If you are going to do the tensioner and guides, you could do the chain at the same time.

Tools here:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Engine/Timing/3

 

Unless you're having an issue with your timing cassette there is really no need to preventatively spend money, not to mention the guides can't be removed without also removing the cam gear which requires a special lock tool and at that point I would replace the whole cassette not just the guides.

Fix your oil leaks, and save the money til you actually need a timing cassette..

 

Sounds like good advice.

Only reason I inquired about the guide rails was if they were a "drop-in" part, I'd do it, since they're inexpensive and I'll have the valve cover off anyway...

I'll stay status quo on the guides, as I have no desire (or need) to pull the chain or gear off!