My MINI has recently been experiencing periodic rough idle and throwing a CEL with the P1497 code. After searching here, I was ready to have to replace my valve cover. However, upon further examination, the problem ended up being my PCV hose. It was cracked under the sheath, about 3 inches from where it attaches to the engine, so I couldn't see the crack. Anyway, I just thought I'd post so if anyone else has this issue, maybe they can save a little $$. Spending a couple $10's for a part is a lot nicer than spending a few $100's, right?

As an aside, I'm betting I've had a minor vacuum leak since I owned the car, which has been slowly getting worse until it got bad enough to cause the aforementioned symptoms. Now that this hose has been replaced, it feels like a new car. I certainly have more power, better throttle response, and the turbo seems to kick in a lot more now.

 

don't think you would still be keeping the cracked hose but i'm very interested in seeing where it was cracked at

 

I did not keep the hose, but the crack was about 3 inches from where it connects at the top, under the plastic sheathing.

 

Thanks. Hope things all work out for you now.