So I was under the bonnet the other day checking something while the car was running. And I heard it, that slight tapping coming from near the back side of the charger. So I'm in the process of gather parts to mod/replace while i have the front end apart to check the charger. And, I realize I'm at a loss for what gear oil to put in it. And where the best place to get the replacement gaskets from. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

The correct oil (2 bottles) can be purchased from any GM dealership.


The supercharger input duct gasket (green), output duct gasket, and water pump inlet O-ring can be purchased from any MINI parts department (Classic MINI is good).

 

You are going to hear tapping under the hood, injectors, valve tappets, and normal S/C rotor noise. When you can hear the higher pitched rattle from inside the car while driving, that's when I'd refill it. Maybe at 50k+

Both of my cars needed fluid, one needed a charger. Here is the turn of events:

03 MCS started making noise at 70k. Left it until the noise became insane and people would mention it to my girlfriend in parking lots. Then the gears were worn down and it started overheating. I replaced the S/C at 90K.

My 03 MCS started making noise at 115k, I topped it off at 116.5k. It had one drop left on the water pump side and 3/4 full on the charger side.

Both cars have 15%.

My point, unless you have high mileage and a clear rattle (with the hood closed) You may be disappointed when you find nothing wrong. The noise is very obvious long before there is a real issue. If you are juiced up to work on the car, then go for it. Though, it is a bit of work to do just because reports are popping up. Good luck and let us knoe heat you find.

 

I've got 52k on it now, and I've gathered just about all the parts i need while the front end is apart. That and I'd rather risk the disappointment and have no issue, than replace the charger before I want to. I've got another 50k to put on it before I want to put another charger in it.