Hi,

Question: Do I need any specialist tools to TAKE THE HEAD OFF my N14 Mini Cooper S engine? I appreciate I need the timing tools for putting it all back together but wondered if I need them to take it apart as I want to do this on Saturday AM? I will be ordering the parts to rebuild the engine in a couple of weeks but want to get inside to analyse the damage now.

Info: Looks like my 62k mile R56 Mini Cooper S has a cracked/holed/damaged piston. Power was 230bhp at the wheels (260-270bhp and 280lb/ft at the engine). Car has been running like this for a while.

We know it has lost compression on a cylinder and can see oil sitting on the piston so know it is not primarily or only a valve burned out. We will take it to pieces and share the outcomes. We currently believe it to be detonation (not due to running too lean, but sheer simple det due to too much boost for the compression ratio).

We will know if the cylinder wall is damaged once we get it to bits and will make plans from there.

Cheers all.

Steven RW

 

You probably don't need the tools to take it apart. Heck, you probably don't NEED them too put back together, but it makes it a lot easier...

 

Hi - thanks for the reply.

The benefit of the tools regarding timing up the car on the rebuild is obvious to me.

The benefit of the tools to disassemble the engine is not. Is it that they help with leverage? I can't see a requirement to use the tools to keep the engine in time on the basis it is all coming to bit.

Have I missed something?

Cheers,
Steven_RW

 

without the timing tools it might make breaking the cam and crank bolts loose a little harder if doing by hand. You can use a wrench to hold the camshafts , there are flats cast into the drivers side ends. The crank bolt would require impact to zip off since it would be hard to hold flywheel and break bolt loose by hand. If you are just tearing down you should be ok without the tools.

Just make sure you have a complete set of inverse or "external" torx sockets.

 

Yes because you will run into these!
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?...&hsimp=yhs-001

 

These "inverse or external torx sockets" are also called "star" sockets, depending on who makes them, and can be used throughout the engine. Probably all you need to get the head out of the car.

When the head comes off, you need a way to support the timing chain. Not necessarily a special tool, but something needs to be fabricated / thrown together.

Might also need a thin-wall deep-well spark plug socket, if you get that far into it.

And, if you need to strip the head, think about fuel injector seals --- there's a special tool for seal removal / installation.

Edit: At re-install time, you'll need a timing chain tensioner. And, most of all, don't try this without access to a Bentley manual --- torque settings, stretch bolt ID, and tightening sequences.

Finally, FYI --- I'm running 10.5:1 CR and up to 30PSI boost --- gotta love CP / Carrillo! Ran for two years at 25PSI and stock internals.

Best of luck and keep us posted.