I have an oil leak around the Timing Belt Tensioner on a 2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop (R56). I can't tell if the tensioner is leaking or something near it, like a gasket. I couldn't find a diagram of what is around the tensioner.

I attached a few photos of what I can see. I took off an air hose and could see what looks like a tensioner. I was thinking of tightening it but a metal air flap is in the way and not sure how to take it off. Is it better just to take it to the Mini dealer and let them diagnose it to make sure it is the tensioner that is causing the leak? I would think they would check it for free and offer some discount to fix if that is the issue.

 

I called the Mini Dealer and they will charge $185 to assess the problem. I was thinking of trying to tighten the tensioner. Is there any DIY on how to do it. I think all I need to do is remove the rubber hose and the metal intake but couldn't find any information if that is all. Also checking if the tensioner is 19mm. I need to buy a socket.

Thanks

 

this could help: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html

 

Seal ring on the tensioner is leaking, seen several do it, needs a new seal so the tension has to come out, change seal and refit.

 

Very nice like. Long discussion, but had a nice example of how to remove the metal aiir intake. It has three torx screws and that is it. The socket needed is 27mm at 50 ft lbs.

 

I was thinking of replacing the tensioner since it comes with a new seal ring. I found a few part numbers.
PN11317607551. I think this is for another engine. I have the R56, N12.
PN11317597895. This one was recommended, but not sure if it was replaced by the next part.
PN11314609483. Someone mentioned this part as replacing the older Tensioners, so not sure if I should get this one or the 551.

 

here are a few photos of the torq screws and removal. The one at the bottom of the air vent is the hardest to find, unless you know where it is. Its hidden from view when looking at the air vent, but its actually easy to remove, once you know where it is.

I first removed the rubber hose (just the top part), and moved it aside. Removed the metel vent (with 3 torq screws). I had full access to the Tensioner at that point.

The tensioner was loose. I could remove it with my hand. So I just put a socket on a torque wrench and tightened it up. The leak has now stopped.

The sound of the engine is good. I'll check it this winter to see if there is an issue. If so, I might buy the new tensioner and just replace the old one. Luckily for this model it was really easy to get to. It will take me about 30 minutes to remove and replace the tensioner. On turbo models, I think it is a little more difficult.

 

Be very grateful you caught this before the tensioner backed out enough to cause massive oil loss (like it did on our MCS). We were fortunate it happened in a parking lot, and did not fall out.

The crush washer on ours wasn't even crushed, showing it was never torqued to spec at the factory. I was able to get a thin-walled socket on it and torque it to spec without removing anything but the hose, FWIW.

 

I was surprised that the tensioner would loosen by itself. It could be a factory installed thing, or just a badly designed washer.

I think mini should have a bulletin on this issue. All the failures related to the timing chain area might be due to the tensioner loosening and oil being low. Of course i did notice the engine does burn more oil than other cars i have owned, just from normal operation, so a lot owners are probably running their engine without the adequate oil level. The dipstick doesnt help either. This could solve a lot of long term issues.