Hi all,

I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S and I noticed a loud tapping noise that got worse under throttle the other day after starting my car. I turned it off at started it again and the noise was gone, but I believe my timing chain tensioner is probably on it's way out. It seems like an easy replacement too.

The only thing I'm worried about is my chain jumping while the new tensioner is activating once I start the engine. I heard this can be solved by cranking the engine before starting. I don't really want to have to manually crank using the crankshaft if I don't have to though. What should I do?

 

I've personally swapped out the timing chain tensioner 3 different times on 2 different R53s. I never release them before cranking the motor, I just start the car and the tensioner pops out in less than a second. You will hear the chain noise until the tensioner pops out from oil pressure. But it really should not last longer than a second or two, if so you may have some underlying issues. If you ever have the valve cover off take a look at the chain guides to make sure they are in good shape still. If the car is driven for a while with the tensioner going out the chain will chew up the plastic guides.

Good luck!