I was wondering what brand would you recommend? IWIS?

Problem: I have white smoke coming from the exhaust and wanted to replace my head gasket, even though it passed the leak test performed by one of the technicians. Since i am taking out the engine, might as well replace the timing chain. Any step by step for replacing head gaskets? Not really seeing it for 2012 Mini Cooper S on Youtube.

 

I just went for the way motor works kit, but you don't need to pull the motor to pull the head at all, it can all be done in the car.

 

Thank you for your reply. I'm not sure what you mean by "in the car." Can you elaborate more on that?

 

We only use Genuine MINI original timing chain kits as it is too important of a part to go the cheap route on.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...-cooper-s.html

 

You don't need to pull the entire engine to do a head gasket and timing chain, you just have to pull the head off, the bottom end and transmission can all stay connected and in the car.

 

S4S Have some Cryo Timing chain ..I would go for it.!!

 

You really should verify what's causing the smoke before you start pulling things apart. And as mentioned above, pulling the entire engine is overkill just to change the head gasket.

Then for a "how to" source, the newTIS web site is the most popular set of repair instructions --- https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/ it has procedures used by most dealer shops. 2nd choice would be the Bentley manual. Since you're asking newbie questions, you probably don't know about the illustrated parts catalog fo Mini's --- https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select great source for getting part numbers when ordering parts online. As for you-tube, use it as a guide only. Many use shortcuts or don't show all the necessary steps.

If you really want to DIY repairs, be sure you have access to all the special tools. It also helps to have a Mini-knowledgeable friend to lean on while you get familiar with your new toy. If there's a local Mini car club nearby, I suggest you join it --- really helps the learning process.

OK, I'm making assumptions here, so one more please --- Even if you have lotsa engine knowledge and repair experience, Mini's have a unique timing setup. You need to understand it before doing anything that will affect engine timing. This is considered an "interference" engine (valves can contact pistons if timing is off) some mistakes can destroy valves. Re-assembly sequence, bolt usage and torque values, proper use of the special tools, all are critical when setting engine timing.

I strongly recommend you live with the smoke until you understand what to fix and how to fix it.

 

Thank you for your reply. The information is very helpful.

I'm not sure how else to diagnose the white smoke from the exhaust. It passed the leaked test and pressure test performed by a technician from the Mini dealer. There is no leak anywhere. I am getting some OBD faults like Car Access System CAS, Motor Electronics DME, Driver's Side Footwell Module FRM, and Automatic Heating/Airconditioning KLIMA. Could it be the thermostat?

I do have a service light due for Brake fluid flush.

 

White smoke points to water somewhere within the combustion or exhaust tracts. The thermostat housing has no connection to either (whether its gasket is defective or not).

The service light for brake fluids comes on two years after it's last reset. There is no sensor in the car that makes it come on.

 

IWIS is the same as Genuine MINI. Its stamped on most of the parts, you can see it on this tensioner.

 

if the white smoke is during idling , could be the valve seals.