I am planning on doing SC maintenance while doing a bunch of other things to the engine (fixing coolant leak, valve cover and oil pan gasket). The car has 97k on it and I am trying to figure out if I should have a replacement SC on hand for the job. Does this sound like normal engine noise, or do you think there is grinding. I cannot decide if I am hearing normal valve tapping or grinding from SC. Anyones 2 cents would be appreciated... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLlHy1TMqaI

 

sounds normal to me . . .

 

Can't really tell for sure. All MINI superchargers I've ever heard make a small amount of noise at idle. Best bet is to get a mechanic's stethoscope at your local auto store and place the end against several engine surfaces to determine the source of the noise. You can also use a screwdriver, holding the handle end up to your ear. However, you won't be able to get it to some surfaces as easily.

Check and inspect the SC gears for wear. As long as they appear good, just replace the lube oil.

There is nothing wrong with having an extra SC on hand incase you need it. You should be able to find one at a fair price between E-Bay and the NAM marketplace. An '05-'06 will be a bonus since the rotors will be teflon-coated (as well as any from a JCW kit).

One of my rocker arms does tap a little at idle when I first start mine up. Usually goes away after I start moving, as the oil begins to flow over them better. Remember, since we have an overhead cam design, there are no lifters and pushrods. Rocker arms work directly against cam lobes and valve tips.

As for the oil pan gasket, MINI service calls for slightly lifting the engine. However, a mechanic friend of mine changed the one on my old '02 MCS without doing so. Take your time and study the pan area; I bet you can do the same.

 

Sorry to tell you this bro but, your gears are shot. Mine made this noise last summer and got progressivley worse over the months. It finally went completely south in October. Fix it before your stuck in traffic and your water pump quits turning.

 

You can tell that from a YouTube clip?

 

dont listen to hankfrum. It sounds perfectly normal. Sounds like my 05 did when it had 10,000 miles and now that it has 60,000. I have also serviced my sc, rebuilt snout, oiled, etc.. Sounds the same.
I do have an extra rebuilt sc sitting in my garage tho

 

You don't have to listen to me. I just know what i know from my experience. My SC made that same sound and the gears wiped out. Was told the same thing time and time again. Oh its fine, supposed to sound like that. If only those people would've helped me when it finally went. Just my 2 cents take it how you will. Just keep in eye on it.

 

Sounds normal to me.......

 

Those clicking sound is similar to my '06 since I got it at 28k two years ago. Now at 38k it's the same. The PTO gears do have free play, so there's a slight rattle at idle. However, since you're at 97k and plan to fix other stuff, why not tear the SC off for an inspection and replace the oil.

I've not done mine because it's a CA car and the SC is under warranty till 70k/7yrs.

 

Not sure what Hankfrum heard but that sounds totally normal and the little rattle you hear is likely the tensioner, not the SC. My 06 has also sounded like this for a long time and it still running strong.

 

Hey man, I'm hoping I could get some info. There's a slight grinding noise, which happens when I'm in first and then goes away as I accelerate and is coming from my sc. I change my oil every 4k miles. I've got 105k miles. Would it be cheaper to buy a new one or rebuilt it?