Hi guys,

Just looking for a bit of advice regarding the timing chain rattle.

Had the car for 3 years now, in that time the tensioner has been replaced about 6/7 times in total I've lost count and the chain assembly once.

Past few weeks there has been a rattle again so got it booked in and the timing chain is to be replaced again.

Car is an 09 R56 N14 FJCW, but ive got the extended warranty and majority of parts are replaced under the 2 year parts warranty anyway.

But just wondered what your thoughts are...

So, the car has now covered 51k and is on the third chain (after this repair).

From what ive been reading the complete chain assembly repair is supposed to cure the rattle but 17k after the last replacement this doesn't seem to be the case.

So now on my third chain, any ideas why its happened again after the full chain assembly repair?

The valve timing was out on one occasion when I got the car, but got reset when tensioner was replaced for the first time.

Would this be anything to do with the VANOS? Should I be pushing for them to change this on this occasion?

Thanks in advance, your help is appreciated.

Andrew

 

So has the timing chain replacement cure worked for everyone else apart from me?

 

Wow! Three timing chains...

 

It seems like they still haven't perfected the design, even after several updates.

 

It would appear so. We'll see what happens over the next 17k miles if I still have the car.

 

Planning on doing mine this weekend..

 

There has been many update with the chain and tensioner, the latest one is in our kits. Most have reported back that it has been fine. They have all the needed bolts also.

You have to replace the whole cassette which makes a difference .

N14 Engines

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ce-please.html






Clean out the vanos while you are there on the screen.

 

When was this kit released? I had mine last done in May 2014. Just wondering if this is the same kit as i had before?

 

Right around last April tensioner ~551 was added.

 

As aggravating as these engines can be, in reading all the forum threads on all of their issues (N12, N14) for some years, now and recently doing the chain on my N12 @ 120K mi. I think you have something very wrong that is beyond "normal".
Third chain in 50k? That's far out of the realm.
Questions:
Same mechanic or shop each time?
Was the proof of failure obvious? (Noise, vibration, etc) or "he said it was broken but I didn't know it"??
Was the same symptom cleared up after the repair?

 

How often do you add or check you oil level? These N14's burn/drink oil and if you're running low on oil your tensioner will not tension the timing chain properly. On average these N14's typically burn through 1-2 quarts every 1000-1500 miles. Also Mini has updated the timing chain tension five times over 8 years so it's a sure bet you didn't get the latest updated tensioner since it wasn't out in 2014.

You might also have oil channels gummed up, I recommend using something like BG EPR to clean out all the burnt dirty oil out of the oil channels. It will also clean the oil feed line to the turbo saving it as well. I bought three cans after using it the first time, it's extremely effective and I swear you've never seen black oil before until you use this stuff!