R50/53 Servicing the supercharger and changing coolant
Definitely replace the thermostat. The water pump is much easier to access when the SC is removed for service and it's not very expensive so this would be a good time to also replace it. You should also consider replacing the o-ring seal on the water pump flange on the engine block. The crankshaft position sensor o-ring is very accessible with the SC removed and should be replaced at this time.
I did the crankshaft sensor o-ring, the water pump, water pump o-ring, thermostat and thermostat housing which I upgraded to metallic. Along the way, also replaced upper and lower radiator hoses, replaced the dipstick tube o-ring, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced a vacuum hose running to the throttle body because it was looking pretty cracked and gnarly. I discovered some plastic intake pieces that had cracked and replaced those, and decided to rebuild the horn wiring and the blinker wiring where time had taken its toll. I also did the tensioner and idler pulley, though it strikes me they wouldn’t be that hard to do, even without being in service mode. I also replaced the s/c bypass valve while I was in there, since I had a vacuum leak with the stock one. I upgraded that to the Detroit Tuned, which has worked well. Finally, I replaced the low speed fan resistor, which had gone bad. I’d also replace the belt (I’d done mine not long ago when I installed an ATI dampener). If you haven’t already done a pulley reduction, I would do it now.
Im leaving a couple things out since they were specific to my car, but just take advantage of all the work it takes, and inspect and clean as you go. You might find some things you hadn’t planned for, and hopefully you have the funds and time to acquire parts as needed.
Im leaving a couple things out since they were specific to my car, but just take advantage of all the work it takes, and inspect and clean as you go. You might find some things you hadn’t planned for, and hopefully you have the funds and time to acquire parts as needed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Drivetrain Is servicing the R53 supercharger worth it?
IQRaceworks
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
16
May 22, 2014 05:19 PM
IndIMINICS
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
9
Jun 13, 2011 08:49 PM
RichardCrofts
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
3
Apr 15, 2003 08:08 AM







