Hi,

I tried smoke testing my intake with a homemade smoke machine looking for leaks, but I don't think the smoke was going past the throttle valve. How do I hold it open while the engine is off, or get smoke into the intake?

 

I've never had to do this on a Mini, but here's some ideas:

1: Ignition on but engine not started - does the throttle open when you push the gas pedal?

2: Rotate the engine by hand until one of the cylinders is about 90° past TDC and the intake valves are open. Remove the spark plug and pump smoke in.

 

If I were going to smoke test an R53, I would probably go in where the TMAP on the intake manifold is. You will have to block the throttle body because smoke WILL go around the throttle blade and come out of the air filter.