Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).

Solution to oil consumption, vlv cover leak and more?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #26  
Old 07-05-2012, 08:09 PM
bluefox280's Avatar
bluefox280
bluefox280 is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Broomfield, CO
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by BoostMe
What is the cost of replacing/ upgrading to the updated valve cover does it come with a new gasket?
Parts only: for the valve cover its ~$285; the gasket set (separate part number) is another ~$42.

- Erik
 
  #27  
Old 07-06-2012, 04:27 AM
mattkosem's Avatar
mattkosem
mattkosem is offline
5th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 25 Posts
Very interesting read. The VW FSI engine in my last car had a very similar issue. Fortunately, on that car at least, the affected portions are serviceable on that engine. The best solution I found, though, was to eliminate the PCV passage into the intake manifold and use only the pre-turbo port (always under vacuum) for all venting. Companies like BSH sell easy bolt on parts to take care of the process.

Looking at another thread on this forum, I noticed folks with this car are doing roughly the same. That plus a catch can would probably essentially permanently solve this problem, correct?

--Matt
 
  #28  
Old 07-08-2012, 05:55 PM
MNIPWR's Avatar
MNIPWR
MNIPWR is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
So basically when under boost the valve cover vents out of the front port and when under vacuum it vents from the back port?
 
  #29  
Old 07-08-2012, 06:33 PM
mattkosem's Avatar
mattkosem
mattkosem is offline
5th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 25 Posts
Originally Posted by MNIPWR
So basically when under boost the valve cover vents out of the front port and when under vacuum it vents from the back port?
Correct. The back port is only under vacuum when out of boost. The port up front is always under vacuum, but is a bit less desirable for use all of the time since it gives oil a chance to collect in the pressurized tubes and intercooler.

--Matt
 
  #30  
Old 10-05-2012, 09:16 AM
tattedXB's Avatar
tattedXB
tattedXB is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Irvine CA
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JPMM
On turbo cars, there is a Crankcase breather system. In the valve cover lives a diaphragm valve that if leaks will cause full intake vacuum (or pressure?) to be applied to the crankase,resulting in excessive oil consumption, irreguler idle, or oilly smoke in the exhuast.

From the Bentley manual page 130-54.
I don't understand, what's the solution to this then? Buy the bentley manual and read it myself?
 
  #31  
Old 10-05-2012, 10:45 AM
Slave to Felines's Avatar
Slave to Felines
Slave to Felines is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Silly-con Valley
Posts: 2,064
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
From that passage, it sounds like the solution is to replace the valve cover. Or if possible, repair or replace the diaphragm in the valve cover.
 
  #32  
Old 10-10-2012, 12:49 PM
Electro's Avatar
Electro
Electro is offline
Neutral
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bluefox280
Parts only: for the valve cover its ~$285; the gasket set (separate part number) is another ~$42.

- Erik

I can confirm that. CEL came on and it needed a 60,000 mile service anyways. Just got the call that my 'PCV valve' was going to cost me $300.

Whatever happened to blowing it clean with a can of GumOut!!?!

But after seeing the pictures here, it confirmed what my mechanic (non BMW dealer) was telling me.

I did like the other thread regarding using Seafoam to clean this and the buildup on the valves. I've used Seafoam on some older motorcycles before and it's done a good job.

Will probably go that route next time.

Val
 
  #33  
Old 02-19-2013, 09:54 PM
genik's Avatar
genik
genik is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 893
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Im trying to find a solution to this oil consumption issue but i dont understand the tech parts of this thread nor do i understand where all these parts that cZar very explanatory shows (sorry guys im no tech enthusiast just a mini enthusiast driver).
Can someone explain in very simple words what do i tell the tech (dont speak english) to look for and what to do... oh and most importantly is oil consumption solved by these actions here?
Thanx guys!
 
  #34  
Old 02-20-2013, 12:15 AM
MNIPWR's Avatar
MNIPWR
MNIPWR is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Tell him to test the valve cover diaphragm, they might have a way to test that it closes when it is supposed to. How much oil do you consume?
 
  #35  
Old 02-20-2013, 11:48 AM
JPMM's Avatar
JPMM
JPMM is offline
6th Gear
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: East IA
Posts: 2,775
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
there is a way, its in the manual



Originally Posted by MNIPWR
Tell him to test the valve cover diaphragm, they might have a way to test that it closes when it is supposed to. How much oil do you consume?
 
  #36  
Old 02-20-2013, 03:34 PM
genik's Avatar
genik
genik is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 893
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by JPMM
there is a way, its in the manual
any idea on what page that is cause im not aware of any tech stuff!
 
  #37  
Old 03-02-2013, 05:32 AM
SMOG's Avatar
SMOG
SMOG is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Port Orchard, WA.
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Originally Posted by czar
Thank you so much for your kind appreciation Mike, there is so much misguided technical information throughout the automotive forum/blog chat world, that the automotive enthusiast believes what they read, from unknowledgeable jack of all trades, and master of none, internet guru's, and sadly this filters through to the dealer networks, as most of the dealer (so called technicians) read and blend what they read from the misguided automotive forum, chat blogs, into their computerised no logical thought process working schedule, to determine a fault.

This is now a concerning time, as you expect the manufacturing dealer to be competent when working on your car, however, the manufacture dealer, reads the forums, chats and blogs, I order to find answers, how concerning is that ?

I may not be able to stop this madness, but I can try to educate the masses with supplying correct information, on the many forums, chats and blogs, I contribute to, and the various Motorsport/Automotive industry platforms I am involved with, even at such high levels, there is much blinkered stupidity, like you wouldn't believe, Ive walked out of many a meeting and often do, laughing and shaking my head, at the unbelievable lack of basic engineering all thanks to this marvellous revolution in computerised controlled diagnostics, apparently if there is no fault code, there is not fault!
A big +1 for this and the quote!!
 
  #38  
Old 04-24-2014, 07:25 AM
Tu13es's Avatar
Tu13es
Tu13es is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just came across this thread as my valve cover is leaking and I was looking for some info. Thanks!
 
  #39  
Old 10-02-2014, 06:23 PM
Fische's Avatar
Fische
Fische is offline
1st Gear
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sanford, Maine
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Did the new valve cover really fix anyones oil comsumption issue?
 
  #40  
Old 10-06-2014, 12:03 AM
Systemlord's Avatar
Systemlord
Systemlord is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 34 Posts
Originally Posted by Fische
Did the new valve cover really fix anyones oil comsumption issue?
No but it did keep oil out of the turbo inlet and most oil in the throttle body inlet which is preferred in my opinion. Shortest route is best, it's going into the engine regardless.
 
  #41  
Old 10-06-2014, 07:11 AM
Grizld700's Avatar
Grizld700
Grizld700 is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: E. Iowa
Posts: 2,474
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Originally Posted by Systemlord
No but it did keep oil out of the turbo inlet and most oil in the throttle body inlet which is preferred in my opinion. Shortest route is best, it's going into the engine regardless.
Probably my #1 important thing right there. Keep oil out of the inlet, boost tubes, FMIC, and TBody inlet. I can deal with consumption, just add oil. Having to clean gunk off everything else, much more difficult.
 
  #42  
Old 10-11-2014, 02:22 PM
oldbrokenwind's Avatar
oldbrokenwind
oldbrokenwind is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern NV
Posts: 1,945
Received 201 Likes on 172 Posts
Originally Posted by JPMM
Hi It gives specs in the manual,
control valve
opens when pressure is less than 30mbar
and closes when pressure is greater than 30 mbar,
so test to those parameters'
A faulty crankcase breather valve causes significant deviations from the specified value:
Crankcase venntilation clogged: Ambient pressure+ 100mbar
Crankcase ventilation internal leak: ammbient pressure-170mbar.


Not sure what it all means, but there you all go
Great info for when the rear hose is connected. Since the "control valve" operates on manifold pressure, when do Czar's various valves operate when the rear hose is removed and the vents capped --- how does the front vent get activated?

At 4500 ft altitude in Northern NV, the atmospheric pressure is about 5 inHg (169mbar) per my boost gage with the engine off. Since 30mbar is almost .5PSI, at my altitude, with the rear hose off, the front vent will never activate. The only pressure the PCV system sees is crankcase pressure.

So far, running 25 - 30PSI boost, with the rear hose connected, blows out the PCV system. This appears to be confirmed by Euler-Spiral in his Frankenturbo post #6 --- https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...the-track.html

I'm trying to work out a separate valve system to use the OEM PCV system AND 30PSI boost, but not having much success. I'm thinking something like a waste gate with a diaphragm actuator, but having trouble getting info on applicable waste gates. Any help is welcomed.
 
  #43  
Old 12-31-2015, 12:22 AM
SCOTTVV's Avatar
SCOTTVV
SCOTTVV is offline
Neutral
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Has anyone ever tried to create a baffle inside the cover where the vapor exits? From Czar's pics it appears that the passage is quite large and open. If one were to baffle this area, yet still allow gases to pass around it and into the PCV chambers, do you think this could help slow down the oil a bit? Other valve covers I've seen have a baffle inside the cover near where the PCV valves are located in the covers. Also, what do you think about filling this same passage way with stainless steel wool along with a baffle. It would still breathe and allow gases to escape. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Also, is Czar still on here?
 
  #44  
Old 12-31-2015, 12:22 PM
oldbrokenwind's Avatar
oldbrokenwind
oldbrokenwind is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern NV
Posts: 1,945
Received 201 Likes on 172 Posts
Originally Posted by SCOTTVV
Has anyone ever tried to create a baffle inside the cover where the vapor exits? From Czar's pics it appears that the passage is quite large and open. If one were to baffle this area, yet still allow gases to pass around it and into the PCV chambers, do you think this could help slow down the oil a bit? Other valve covers I've seen have a baffle inside the cover near where the PCV valves are located in the covers. Also, what do you think about filling this same passage way with stainless steel wool along with a baffle. It would still breathe and allow gases to escape. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Also, is Czar still on here?
Even if we could get inside the valve cover to add something, i can't imagine even thinking about steel wool inside an engine.

Before attempting a fix, I suggest you find out the specific cause for your oil consumption. There is more than one cause, and many S owners have little to no oil consumption --- myself included, until I added excess boost.
 
  #45  
Old 12-31-2015, 01:24 PM
SCOTTVV's Avatar
SCOTTVV
SCOTTVV is offline
Neutral
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am losing oil thru the passenger side pcv outlet. I still think some type of baffle would help. As far as steel wool, it would be contained in a breathable netting above the baffle in the center PCV inlet in the cover. If you look at the shape, it has a lot of room in a rectangle area where gases go up and enter the PCV. I wouldn't let the material free-float under the cover. If you look at page one of the thread and the pics Czar posted, the center chamber has a lot of room. Some type of inert. breathable material could stop some of the oil. Just an idea. I do have an expensive catch can on the turbo side, but it does not catch much. Open to more ideas.
 
  #46  
Old 12-31-2015, 04:54 PM
oldbrokenwind's Avatar
oldbrokenwind
oldbrokenwind is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern NV
Posts: 1,945
Received 201 Likes on 172 Posts
Originally Posted by SCOTTVV
I am losing oil thru the passenger side pcv outlet. I still think some type of baffle would help. As far as steel wool, it would be contained in a breathable netting above the baffle in the center PCV inlet in the cover. If you look at the shape, it has a lot of room in a rectangle area where gases go up and enter the PCV. I wouldn't let the material free-float under the cover. If you look at page one of the thread and the pics Czar posted, the center chamber has a lot of room. Some type of inert. breathable material could stop some of the oil. Just an idea. I do have an expensive catch can on the turbo side, but it does not catch much. Open to more ideas.
Passenger side PCV outlet is the one that's active during manifold vacuum conditions, not during turbo boost. How much oil are you losing? A fully functional valve cover allows excess oil to drain back into the engine, and only "vapor" to get thru the ports. Yes, this vapor has oil content, but it shouldn't be measurable. An OCC is comparatively small and should take a long time to fill with oil --- you should be getting mostly condensation when draining it. Are you sure the valve cover is functioning correctly?

If your valve cover is known to be functioning properly, you might do a compression check and / or leak-down test. Excessive crankcase pressure could cause this oil consumption. To minimize oil in the manifold, try adding an OCC to the passenger side PCV port. Or, switch to a dual OCC. Altho, connecting to this port / hose isn't easy, it can be done. The plastic hose is really awkward to work with.

As for the steel wool, it's a patch, not a fix, and even with netting, not a patch I'd be willing to try.

Try sending Czar a PM --- he has a wealth of knowledge and might be willing to share with you.
 
  #47  
Old 06-27-2016, 11:48 AM
JPMM's Avatar
JPMM
JPMM is offline
6th Gear
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: East IA
Posts: 2,775
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by yetti96
I have been told the easiest way to test is to try to open the oil filler cap while the engine is running. If it is normal it will pull enough vacuum to where the cap won't come off.

Can anyone confirm this?
 
  #48  
Old 06-27-2016, 12:17 PM
oldbrokenwind's Avatar
oldbrokenwind
oldbrokenwind is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern NV
Posts: 1,945
Received 201 Likes on 172 Posts
Originally Posted by JPMM
Can anyone confirm this?
This only ensures part of the PCV system is working. There's still boost conditions and the manifold pressure range in-between. However, this is still a good indicator of PCV operation. Just don't honk-up the filler cap trying to prove a bad valve cover.
 
  #49  
Old 06-27-2016, 01:37 PM
JPMM's Avatar
JPMM
JPMM is offline
6th Gear
Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: East IA
Posts: 2,775
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by oldbrokenwind
This only ensures part of the PCV system is working. There's still boost conditions and the manifold pressure range in-between. However, this is still a good indicator of PCV operation. Just don't honk-up the filler cap trying to prove a bad valve cover.
well I can remove my filler cap with the engine running, there is quite a bit of blowing and sucking going on but it was definitely not stuck on.
 

Last edited by JPMM; 06-27-2016 at 02:46 PM.
  #50  
Old 06-27-2016, 02:57 PM
oldbrokenwind's Avatar
oldbrokenwind
oldbrokenwind is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern NV
Posts: 1,945
Received 201 Likes on 172 Posts
Originally Posted by JPMM
well I can remove my filler cap with the engine running, there is quite a bit of blowing and sucking going on but it was diffidently not stuck on.
With engine idling, manifold vacuum is applied to the crankcase (CC) via the pass side port and its valve / spring setup. The driver side port system should be "regulating" CC pressure by allowing air in, preventing excessive vacuum. There's a thread somewhere here that has CC pressure measurements, and I'm pretty sure they were a very small vacuum at engine idle. When I measured mine, the gauge wasn't sensitive enough to get a good reading --- just barely moving around the minus side of zero --- with respect to ambient. And, I'm not sure how my 4500' elevation affects this reading.

In theory, this CC vacuum should be enough to make removing the oil filler cap "difficult", probably not impossible. If you detect "blowing and sucking going on", you might be experiencing blow-by from a cold engine (ring seating), or if engine was warmed up, low compression. There's also a CC air inlet path from a dipstick that doesn't seal tightly.

Since you started this thread 4/2012, have you found an answer yet? If not, what is your specific problem? From other forums, I've seen a couple solutions where the PCV system has been effectively "bypassed" with different hose connections and minor equipment additions, resulting in minimal to no oil burning.
 


Quick Reply: Solution to oil consumption, vlv cover leak and more?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:30 PM.