I just spent over $2,800 to get a new clutch & pressure plate installed at the dealership (yeah, I know, but there are no mechanics around here I trust to work on a MINI). Both had 35k miles on them, and despite the fact that I drive moderately, the clutch lining was down to 1mm. SMH

At the same time, I had asked them to look into the sudden onset of oil consumption at 75k miles, about 1 quart or so in a month's time. I was sure that the rear main seal was leaking again, but the service advisor said there was no evidence of leakage anywhere. When I asked him if they could change the PCV valve just in case that was causing it, he just started telling me at length that I should let the engine warm up for 5-10 minutes before driving! I wanted to tell him that the Sixties were over.

SO... I can't seem to find a PCV valve for this engine (N18) anywhere. The only thing I can find is the diaphragm valve that's on top of the valve cover. Is that all the N18 has, or is there also a conventional PCV valve? If so, where on the engine is it located, and where can I buy one -- not a knockoff, but OEM? I tried Way Motor Works and a couple other sites, but no luck.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm more than a little annoyed right now.

 

As far as I know, the PCV is a diaphragm in the valve cover. You can gently pry the plastic cover off of the valve cover and replace that diaphragm. ECS has the diaphragm and cover for $25.22 right now. I bought the chinese one for my 2011 MCS a while back, and it seems to work fine. I had no symptoms, just figured it was time, and it was, as that thing was pretty worn out. It actually tore in a couple places as I inspected it.

Chris

 

You “may” be able to slow down your sudden large oil consumption with a new PCV diaphragm. It would be a small expense to give it a try. Be warned that you run the risk of braking the cap if you’re not careful. That will definitely lead to getting a new cam cover.

Do you perform your own oil changes? How is the general health of the engine otherwise?

 

I replaced the PCV membrane on my wife's R60 in November 2019. It is super simple. Here is a thread where we discuss the PCV:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...whistling.html

Here is the video I used to guide me:




Here is the part:


If you are not mechanically inclined, this is a good place to cut your teeth and get some experience.

 

Thanks for the information. This certainly seems unconventional to me, but being unconventional is part of the MINI brand. :-)

 

I perform my own oil changes at the 5k mile mark, using Mobil 1, and take it to the dealer at 10k so they can also do a checkup while it's there. I've watched a couple videos about changing the diaphragm and it looks doable.

The engine's general health seems great. The oil consumption started abruptly about a month ago; before that, it used no oil between changes. I drive it pretty conservatively, too, and have actually taken some good-natured ribbing from a couple other local MINI owners for that. :-)

 

I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I've swapped a few clutch assemblies in RWD/4WD vehicles, but there's no way I'd attempt it with FWD, which is why I took it to the stealership.

The videos make the PCV job look pretty easy, although I do see the potential for breaking the cap. I'll definitely do it myself, especially since the service advisor didn't even want to consider it.

 

Yeah, man. For $30 it's worth taking a shot at. Since you know you have a PCV issue, in the worst-case scenario you are replacing the valve cover anyway.

Good luck!

 

Doesn’t the whole valve cover on the N18 contain the PVC system? The only reason to replace the rubber diaphragm is if it’s torn or the cap is damaged. After two diaphragms, I ended up replacing the whole valve cover and no more issues.

 

I recently replaced my PCV diaphragm on my 2011 R56. The one I bought was from Amazon and it came with the spring, diaphragm, and the plastic cap for like $28 or so. Mine was torn and you could hear it whistling when not under boost.

 

At a fraction of the cost of a new valve cover, I'm going to try replacing the PCV diaphragm first. If it works, I have saved a lot of money; if not, I haven't lost much.

 

I ordered mine yesterday. It's worth trying!

 

I guess this is a good maintenance item to have on hand.