First question
I've noticed that lately my mini cooper s starts to push out clouds of white smoke after idling (ranges from time depending on the day). I changed the oil and I did a complete flush on the coolant. But after doing so, it is still smoking. Any ideas?

Second question
I've noticed that the engine bay is getting extremely hotter than usual. Especially above the turbo, causing the hood to get a nice tan (a brown color rather than original color. Any ideas how to increase air/reduce engine heat?


ps, its completely stock.

 

How does the smoke smell? Sweet, like coolant? Like burning oil? Like fuel? Or not much like anything at all?

Burning gasoline produces water as a byproduct, and of course there is already water in the air going into the motor. So you will get water vapor out the tailpipe to at least some extent, and it will be more visible in cold air. The quantities will also be larger when the exhaust is cold, because the water vapor in there will condense onto the inside of the pipes and such. BTW, this is why you often see water dripping off the end of the tailpipe of the car in front of you.

But there are other things that can be causing visible smoke. Coolant steam will smell like coolant, somewhat sweet. Fuel vapor will smell like fuel. Burning oil won't smell like a whole lot, but the color is usually described as "blue" and not quite white like water or coolant steam.

When you did the oil change and coolant flush, did you notice anything odd about what came out? Cottage cheese on the oil cap, rainbow colors on top of the coolant, or anything like that?

If you're really worried about the possibility of a head gasket problem, do a compression test.

 

I don't remember if the smoke had a smell. But the oil cap does not have a cottage cheese look, nor does the coolant have oil at the top.

But when i check my oil i do notice the plastic surrounding the engine does have some wet spots and looking into some holes on the top of the engine i see some oil for some reason.

 

Just a quick check. Not saying this is it. But once your mentioning all this heat and your tan hood. Check the bolts on the manifold and the bolts to the downpipe to the turbo. Gotta take the upper heat shield off and the o2 sensor
For the downpipe part. The manifold part you definitely gotta remove the upper and lower. Can't hurt to check. I ruined 2 valve covers in one day before I realized the downpipe was lose and blew the gasket out.

 

do you have any links to help me do this process?

 

If you search for the DIY posts on how to replace the turbo oil line you should be able to find some steps and pics on getting access to the downpipe as it has to come out for that repair.

 

Nah, not really. I could tell ya step by step if you wanted. I know that lower heat shield can be a real *****. The bolts are 10mm head. You need to remove the o2 sensor. Lay it off to the passenger side. There's 3-4!bolts like right on top you can see. Take those out. Then there's 2-3 on the side just behind the radiator. They hold the top and bottom halves together. You should be able to lift the top half of now. You can now get to the bolts on the downpipe. Atleast a couple that'll tell ya if that's actually an issue. You'd also be able to see the top row of bolts for the manifold. I think all the bolt heads are 13mm. But don't hold me to it. You'll be able to see black soot if it's actually lose. (maybe ) I'd do that so you don't have to mess with that damn lower shield. Another tip, whatever socket you choose to use, try to make sure your using a 6 point so it's less likely to slip.