Question about how the intake cams and valves work on the N16 engine. Our new-to-us and first MINI Countryman with 100k miles on it failed (burned cylinder #4 exhaust valve) at 101k miles, and I have been slowly tearing it down and repairing it over the past few weeks. I have the head on my workbench, and I noticed when I turn the intake cam, only one intake valve per cylinder opens/closes. The other one in each cylinder does not move. Is that normal operation, or has something failed in that complex intake mechanism? I have looked all over youtube and on this site for an explanation and/or video of the intake operation for this engine. Any guidance on this would be appreciated. Paul

 

I wonder if that has anything to do with the VANOS operation? i.e. perhaps both sets of valves don't necessarily operate with the same "lift" in all circumstances, so as the VANOS changes position, the second set of valves will start lifting as well.

-Jaden

 

Jaden: thanks for your comment and I think you are correct. As I turn the intake cam, the valves in each cylinder do not move open at the same rate or for the same amount of lift. Each cylinder is the same... one valve opens a bit, and the other valve opens just a little. I guess I will put it all back together in the next few days and see how it operates. Thanks again. Paul

 

Good luck, Paul. I hope you keep posting about progress. This is really interesting!

 

Jaden: just a quick update... I got the head and pistons cleaned up, installed a new exhaust valve, lapped all the exhaust valves, put it back together (new valve stem seals, new timing chain tension bolt, many new gaskets, etc.) and she fired right up. Been driving great for the past month, but now I seem to have a clutch or transmission problem. It is hard to shift it into R, 1st or 2nd gear, and notchy in the higher speeds. I posted about this on this forum, and perhaps someone will have an idea of what this might be. Cheers. Paul

 

Just an update, in case anyone was following this saga. It has been 10 months and 8,000 miles. The R60 is running well and the transmission shifting issues were resolved by replacing the fluid. I did that in conjunction with the brake fluid change, all using Bosch ESI6-32N brake fluid.