Its very common for these cars to burn exhaust valves. I wouldn't be surprised if this were your issue. I've got 2 at our shop with this issue. Both are getting port jobs and hotrod valves for more squirrel-power! Beware of used cylinder heads because its also common for the heads to crack- which are not repairable.

 

I believe this is the problem as well. So did the inspector. I don't understand wanting to see if there is carbon build up unless this is to try and get out of paying for the repair. I should know the outcome in a day or twoo. The dealer will be installing a brand new head. I wonder if I will notice a power difference if the valves were going bad.

 

Thx for the up-date. Hope it goes your way. BTW, how many miles on the car? Any mods, much track time, etc? Any warning b4 the plug problem?

 

111k CAI,MSD coil,One ball mod,Helix 15% pulley,Sprint booster,NGK 1 step colder plugs,Mishimoto radiator,Samco hoses,Forge overflow tank and no track time. As stated in the 1st post plug 3 blew out once. On my drive to dealer to check it out the CEL came within 1 mile of a 80 mile journey to the dealer it went into limp mode.

 

So as you all can see the exhaust valves are toast. The head is not warped and no other issues. Still waiting for approval from the warranty company though. My fingers are crossed.

 

Well was hoping for an update, but never got one. I guess no new is good news.

 

Keep up with the updates.
For some reason I really want to know how this turns out.

 

Ok here is the latest. They are installing a remanned head from CHI http://www.headsonly.com/aboutus.htm The head will be cleaned, pressure checked, any guidework that needs to be done is addressed, line bored, seats cut, vacuum check on the valves, new valve seals, surfaced etc......the valve seats will have three angles. The warranty company is covering everything but the head gaskets. I will be getting the car back sometime next week so I will see what happens when I get her back.

I would love to hear the comments on the pics I posted. Any thoughts on what I will notice when I get her back and drive it for the 1st time.

 

Well I should have her back by the end of the week.

 

Sounds like it is working out ok....heck might be BETTER than one would expect!
Sounds like a fresh start, with a freshened motor!! Congrats!!

 

With my warranty up in 90 miles and now a 1 year unlimited warranty all should be good

 

Well the head will arrive tomorrow and I am hoping to have Christine back by Saturday. I have been in a loaner for 3 weeks and I hate it. It is a 2013 justa with auto. I really don't know why anyone would want this combo. The shifting on this is so jerky even when not in sport mode and it is a dog. I had the 2013 S a month or so ago and that was pretty cool. But IMO there is nothing like driving the supercharged version.
Please don't flame me as this is just my opinion.

 

I dont see how thats a 6k dollar job.
at worst it might be a 2k
3 at a dealer. with the head.
good thing you got that leak down, i was reading the early part of this post just thinking the cyls are loosing it needs a leak down....

 

Around 6k with the new head from MINI. Now it is around 2200.00

 

Well I just got Chtistine backa few hours ago. There is a major difference in drivabilty and power even though I was easy on her not exceeding 4k. The mechanic said he thought based off the tests from the valves and leak down tests, I was down 20-25 in his opinion. Youe can definatly tell the difference.