I was wondering whether MINI revised the N18 engines to get rid of Carbon Buildup problems?

Also, is Timing chain still a problem in N18 engines too?


Thanks

 

In answer to both of your questions, I think the consensus is that it's too early to tell. In my reading of threads on the subject, I believe they did make some changes to address the problems.

 

Carbon buildup is a common direct-injection side effect. You will probably still have those issues down the road.

 

The n18 is the very much revised head design to greatly lessen the carbon issue.

So far, it's not shown to be an issue like the n14 cars.

Timing chain was also revised on the n18. Also does not seem to be an issue... Unless owners cook the oil...

 

The n18 has been out for two years. Can you please show us some examples of carbon build-up in these engines?

 

My first google search shows a low mile N18 with mild buildup, just imagine at 60-80k. It may have improved, but I don't think it will stop buildup completely.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-buildup.html

 

if you're talking about the first 3 pics in that thread of a 2011 clubman, that picture is nothing... hardly anything compared to the n14's

 

I'm thinking water/meth can clean this up! I used the w/m set up with my audi tt and kept everything pretty clean and it has 186,000 miles and running strong...so anyone? Carbon build up solution?
I mean i can take my throttle body off and it looks brand new while using the w/m compared to a none user of w/m....if cleans valves and carbon build up i'm thinking it does but don't quote me never tore open the valves in the tt to check...
I JUST HOPE THIS MINI GETS ME 186,000 AND MORE MILES....

 

I cleaned mine after 58,000 and it was a waste of time.

 

It's going to happen, will on any direct injected car. The fuel does not pass through the valves or runners, so there is nothing to keep them clean. Combine that with the slight bit of oil pulled in by the PCV, and you get build up.

 

PCV...So a an oil catch can set up is well worth it...I deleted the PCV system on the TT and ran the crank hose to the ground....people use catch cans but I did not on the TT..
So that's my next move on the Mini Oil Catch can set up....prob better for the environment. But not much comes out of the catch can anyway I'm thinking...never measured approx. amount of sludge per 3,500 miles when oil change is due...

 

Can you elaborate why you cleaned them and how it was a waste of time?
And Avenger, I know the pics in that thread are not bad. That car was very low miles. I would love to see some high mile N18s but the cars are not that old yet.

 

Did you read what Helix said about the pictures? They even said it was minimal.

 

Yes installing a PCV catch can will greatly help reduce build up. Also remember to keep your air filter clean and the build up should be almost a non issue. It will still happen over time, but a very long time...

 

This, at this point, LCI R56S cars are hitting higher miles... and its not an issue like the N14 cars...

CRC also just released this product..

- http://crcindustries.com/auto/?s=05319


I may give it a shot once I hit 15K. I plan to inject it into the intake at the MAF sensor area.. (post turbo/intercooler). I may fab injection point, like the DOS setup.

 

I have heard about bad carbon buildup and seen some pictures of caked valves at ~40k. I figured I would have a look at mine since I'm at 58k and and give them a once or twice over. If the intake was easier to remove I would have said F it and put the intake t back on without cleaning them. Attached is a before picture and they all looked like that.

 

Velvetcows, that's good info. I agree your buildup is not bad at all, it's much worse on my VW. Do you drive hard or do any track days?

 

Fantastic!!

 

wow... thats not bad at all... good to know!

 

No track days. I drive at least 15 miles one way on a typical trip daily. Average mpg is 28-30 and when I drive it hard it's for 5 minutes at a time or less. I'm not too hard on it but I also push the tach past 6 a lot once the engine is warm... almost every time I drive. No real tune yet. 2nd at 2k through the first bit of 4th at wot is a common occurrence. No lift shifts 2nd through fifth just before 6k maybe twice a month. I was averaging 35 mpg a year ago for half a year