Hi,

I have a 06 mcs with 165k miles. The timing chain and other refreshments were made over the last 5yrs 40k miles.

I recently did and oil change after which the oil light came on with noises of timing chain rattle. I removed the filter and saw the carnage.

The oil bypass valve was in pieces. I found 70% of the plastic and removed the oil from the pan but couldn't find the rest.

When looking at the old filter, I see signs of marring where the filter would engage the valve. This indicates I might have some some damage 5k miles ago, during which there were some intermittent signs of timing chain noises that I was attributing to a sticky tensioner.

Other notes, I usually use mahle filter with liqui moly 5w30 but I used Bosch filter last time as it was on prime. The oil had no plastic or metal particulates.

Below are th two options I'm considering:

1. Replace the he be pass valve and send it. Change oil 500 miles later.

2. Removing filter housing with hopes of finding the rest of the plastic, then step#1.

Appreciate the advice.

Thanks

Remove the housing - time to do the housing gasket. Look for the rest of it. A few places sell a replacement bypass valve. Mini does not. I think Allmagauto and out motoring. Good luck.

Thanks, I already did th gasket some years ago. I ordered one from outmotoring.

yes i think outmotoring has a replacement. bummer :(

Indeed out motoring has the replacement 3d printed plunger.
DO NOT get the Doorman part that is suggested to fit, it does not work correctly and you'll be right back in here!

Happy motoring!

Question - who does your oil changes? And how often? I have done all ( but the first ). I do it by with a 1/2 breaker bar, and I always put oil on the gasket surface. Some of the research I did into this issue makes me think that some of it can be caused by not being familiar with the process, and a dry filter dragging across the valve damages it. Mine is ok at 185k - last looked at around 177k. The damage to the housing makes me ask if it has been cross threaded.