Picked up a project 2003 r53. It needs work in various areas. I will most likely be doing a head gasket, clutch, other maintenance items. Plus probably a couple upgrades.
id like to get a good clean on the engine bay, and engine as well. (Oil leaks, and ps leaks over the years). Was just wondering if it would probably be easier just to remove the whole engine?
thanks

 

Me personally, I don't think it's that bad of a job, better access to everything and easier to do the clutch, not to mention doing the oil pan gasket and main seals on an engine stand as well.
Hell, I wire brushed and painted both the engine and transmission while they were out.

Plus the added benefit of having a better understanding of the whole setup.

 

^^thats my thinking. I like things to be cleaned. I'm sure I can find a write up on the removal, or mod mini probably has a video.

 

At the very least you'll find videos of all the individual sub-sections (for lack of a better term)
Once it starts coming apart it's actually pretty intuitive.

To be VERY general:
Service Mode
CAI (and ECU)
Wiring
Axle
​​​​​​Main Mounts

Take your time,, Bag-N-Tag everything, plenty of photos, and you'll be fine.

 

+1 on BlwnAway - removing the engine is a great way to learn about your MINI plus makes part replacement, i.e., seals, gaskets, damper, water pump, supercharger, clutch, etc., a breeze.

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I removed engines from various other cars. Labeling, bagging, ect is a must. So it sounds like engine removal is the way I'm gonna go.