I am having a heck of a time with my 08 Clubman. The car throws no codes, yet when I try to accelerate, it stumbles and hesitates...to the point that it is not driveable.

The timing chain assembly was changed this year, so it is not a timing issue (I don't think). I have replaced a VANOS solenoid, the Air Flow Meter, Spark Plugs, Valve Cover (PCV valve), 02 sensor, Ignition coils, spark plug wires and I think that is about it. I have also checked all around for a vacuum leak (using aerosol carb cleaner), but I can not find one any where.

The only thing I can think of that is left is either the catalytic converter (doesn't seem clogged though because the stumble is intermittent), or perhaps bad fuel/water in the tank.

Does anyone know how I can get the fuel out of the tank? I do not see a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. Tried using a drill pump with a cut off garden hose on it, but cannot get the tube down there far enough.

Would love some advice/help.

Thanks in advance.

 

if its a N14: did you get your intake valves cleaned up?
After doing the timing chain, did the shop do a basic setting of you variable timing? Are the cams really aligned together with the crank.
Bad fuel pump, bad hpfp, bad reading from the temperature sensor?
Bad ground for your ignition coil? is the wire broken on the valve cover bolt or not torqued to spec?

You can do a smoke machine test by blocking the mass air flow and putting smoke through the valve cover filling cap. Thats what I do at work, but you already changed the valve cover.
If you have the revised intake with new ''breather hoses'' with T fittings: are the damage or broken?

Compression test/leak down test?

 

Thanks, Fred. I will add these to my things to check!

 

How much fuel in the tank? You could always add a fuel treatment to negate any possible water and top off with fresh gas. How about a good indy mechanic? Where are you located?

Last repair I contemplated was changing out the two Vanos Solenoids, diagnostic fee at indy was $50 and saved me from new solenoids. Glad I didn't do it myself as it saved me money and time.