I have a 2007 base cooper (non s) that has started sounding like a diesel at idle. After searching these forums and the web I feel like the most conclusive culprit is the tensioner. I have read the how to guid on these forums for the s model but I'm wondering if there are any differences I need to be aware of. What I need to know is where is the physical location of the tensioner (a pic and description would be amazing) as if I were standing in front of the car, including what I need to take off to gain access. Any help would be appreciated or redirect me to another thread. Thanks in advance. I feel like i am capable of doing this, if I could find it. Lol

 

First thing you will want to do is see where the noise is coming from.. Start the car and listen to see what side the noise is coming from. If its the timing chain rattle it will becoming from the left side of the motor as you are facing it. The tensioner is located in the same spot as the S. How many miles do you have on your MINI?

 

112,000 miles
And thanks for the quick reply. The car sounds like a diesel at startup and at idle. Otherwise it runs like a champ. No loss of power and no noise when Rpms go up

 

This is not very common to hear on a non S. But in all reality the timing chain still can rattle the same as a S. Really isn't much different when it comes to this tensioner and chain issue. Have you listen to the motor with the hood open? See if its coming from that area? You just want to make sure that's the problem and not chasing something that isn't there!

 

I have taken a video with my phone with the hood up and have went all around the engine. It is loudest in the very back left corner.

 

I guess just reading and diagnosing the symptoms, this is what it seems most likely to be. Either that or all these cars just idle rough.

 

Well the location you are mentioning is in the area of the tensioner. You should upload your video to hear and see. But IMO even if you replace just the tensioner it is more of a temporary fix. If you love your MINI and plan to keep it I would get the whole timing chain kit! The tensioner is something you could do yourself..

 

I'll try to upload the video. And I do love my car. I've only had it for two months now. I already have the part so I'll probably go ahead and see if it makes a difference. Money is tight at the moment but I do plan on getting it looked at eventually by a professional. I always wanted a mini and now I have one, and am loving it.

 

On a side note, the previous owners did run penzoil 5w-30. I recently switched to mobile one 0w40 and it has helped a little.

 

Excellent. That's a good oil.. If you have the part already then I would say go for it! Ive done a few and they are not hard to do. Just make sure you torque it to the proper specs. make sure your new tensioner has the washer with it. So you do know where the tensioner is right? It looks like a large hex bolt head. You cant miss it!

 

I looked around a bit and I found a hex head below the air box hose towards the back left of the motor. That's got to be it, right? And thanks for your help. I'll be picking up a torque wrench tomorrow after work.

 

Just to make sure you are looking at the correct spot google it! Remember google is your friend. Once you google it click on images and you will see exactly where its at! good luck.

 

Btw Keep us posted on your results with just changing the tensioner!

 

Will do

 

Just to clarify the S models have a vacuum pump that when cold has a distinct dieseling sound at idle which goes away when engine is warmed up, you might want to disconnect the vacuum line to your vacuum pump to see it the dieseling sound goes away. I don't know where your vacuum pump would be located though.

 

Ok, I'll look into that too

 

Yours isn't an S, so it does not have a vacuum pump. Our "Justas" rely on plain ol' engine vacuum, and do not need a pump because they do not develop boost in the intake.

I'm very interested to hear if the new longer tensioner fixes the noise.

 

I plan on changing it out either tonight or tomorrow. I'll post the results here. Thanks for letting me know about the vacuum pump. My theory is that the previous owner starved the engine of oil at one time or another and the tensioner and change didn't receive the lubrication needed and caused stretch. While this may not be a permanent solution, it def won't hurt. And it'll make me sleep easier at night. Lol

 

Do you have same diesel like noise? Is your justa noisy at idle?

 

Well, went to replace, got the hose from air box off, but there was a component beneath the tensioner that kept me from being able to get it out. Long story short, considering I'm not mechanically inclined, I stopped my venture there. I saw no easy way to remove it without taking out everything foe air box down. Don't know if the s models are similar or not, but what I think is the throttle body is in the way. I guess I'll be saving up for a complete timing chain job.

 

The non s does indeed have a vacuum pump...it is located in the same place as the s model.
It is used in the justa because the throttle control is controlled by the valvetronic system which alters the valve lift to increase or decrease fuel mixture supply to the engine.
The throttle body is normally open except under certain perameters to increase vacuum or in case of valvetronic failure, therefore the engine relies upon a mechanical vacuum pump for the brake system. The S model uses it for wastegate control as well.
The vacuum pump can be noisy and is easy to check by disconnecting the vacuum line to the brake booster while at idle.

 

this is a link to the location of my 2010 justa vacuum pump http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...30&hg=11&fg=45

 

the mini cooper in my opinion is needlessly complicated, great car but complicated none the less, anyway it's the future !
I used to be a Honda tec years ago and as my mini parts guy said " so you were like the maytag repair man " boring but reliable... although my cars were always Toyota, lol