So my R56 needs the timing chain service, my buddy is a mechanic wants to do it, he does about 2 timing belt services a week. Should i make him do my car? Is there anything in particular he needs to know about these cars (r56 justa), that he normally wouldn't do on audis/vw's? Dealer wants north of 2k, he wants $300 if i bring the parts, ecs has the kit for just over $200. He doesn't have the cam and crank lock..but thinks it can be done without.
What do you guys think?

 

First, how was it determined that your car needs this? It's rare for the naturally aspirated engine to need this.

Then there is the issue of his experience, or the lack thereof. Finally to attempt to do this without proper tools is a crap shoot.

His failure could cost much more than the dealers original estimate.

 

I have thought about that, believe me.
Code P0012, "diesel" like sounding like noise at rear passenger side of engine upon start up, wondering idle, and the occasional stall, leads me to believe its the timing chain and related components.
Anybody disagree?

 

If your buddy doesn't have the timing locks for the MINI you're playing Russian Roulette. The ole' mark n pray method isn't recommended on these cars, as with every other interference timed engine.

Get the car scanned with a quality scan tool, see what codes you get. If the timing is far enough off to give you performance issues you should have cam position codes along with a couple other companion codes.

How long are you running oil changes, and with what oil?

I've seen cars that run the 15k miles oil intervals where the VANOS units are starting to gum up and retard or advance timing, depending on where in it's range of motion it gets stuck.

Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

If you started a survey whether to have your buddy work on your car can only mean that you should not.... get it done commercially where there is an accountability for labor and parts. Good luck to you and hope you get back on the road soon!

 

If your buddy doesn't have experience with the MINI and doesn't have the MINI tools then don't let him or any other shop do the work. Take it to the dealer as they have the experience and the required tools. Not all repair shops have the tools and dealers are no longer able to get some of them anymore. Not all dealers are willing to sell tools to repair shops.

 

I fully understand guys..thanks for the input. These have to be the easiest engines to do this services on, i almost feel that with the locking kit ($200 on line), i can do this my self. Once the valve cover is off, the tensioner out, and the crank sprocket out....the timing cassette slip out through the top.

 

As long as you have torque plus angle torque wrenches you can do it yourself, just make sure the locks are in place and the lock pin is in the flywheel prior to loosening any fasteners.

Nick
Detroit Tuned