Hey all,

So I took my 08 MCS in for a rough idle and some airbag switch issues and the dealer (why did I take it there...) comes back with a cold start rattle issue as well. I have an extended warranty that would cover the timing chain, but they are saying the timing chain problem is/was caused by the build up and therefore is not covered.

Has anyone heard of these issues being related? I'm no engine expert but I can't see the relationship between the two issues.

 

I have not heard of the 2 being related at all. I'm not an expert on the Peugeot engine though.

 

First time I've ever heard such a claim.

 

The only way I can imagine the 2 being related (and it's a stretch) is if the build up was on the actual sealing surface of the valve, to such an extent that it was requiring extra force from the cam to close the valves. Since the chain drives the cam, that's the only way I can think of.

I just can't imagine how that would be true though. Normally build up occurs on the parts of the valve that are exposed when the valve is closed, since this is where the flow stagnates briefly. Contaminants suspended in the flow are able to drop out. The sealing lips of the valve are only exposed when the valve is open (high flow).

Unless there is something about this motor I can't imagine.....

 

IMHO, they're full of it.

 

That just doesn't sound right.

 

Thinking more about my (silly) theory, if the carbon build up was that bad, the engine would be running like crap for a while first.

I don't want to immediately call them liars, but I just can't imagine a scenario where that could be true.

 

Something body is smoking something funny.....
They are telling you PURE HORSE CRAP. PERIOD.
RAISE HELL!! ! They must think you are dumb....and they are dishonest thief's!!
I am trying to think of a better way to say it....but no beating around the bush here....they are dishonest liars.

 

++1
Sounds like a dishonest dealership, I'd be looking for a different one to take it to from now on.
Where is this dealership located?

 

Ridiculous causality for timing chain system wear, but if you have a carbon buildup, why would that not be covered? It is a known problem with the N14.

What brand of extended warranty?

DOC

 

There is a specific clause excluding contamination. I could probably argue that point however. The dealer was Mini of San Francisco. I have since taken it to an independent here in Oakland and they performed the cleaning and replaced the tensioner.

I have a feeling when that dealer sees carbon issues, they tack on a $3000 timing kit and call it related.

 

Carbon build up is inherent in engines with direct injection and is not limited to one manufacture.
Owning an "S" model direct injected Mini Cooper comes with (what should be) known additional maintenance requirements and considerations.
If you have one of these types Mini Cooper, you will just have to live with the fact that having your valves cleaned on a regular basis is just a part of the price you pay.
I think in this case, it should be considered as preventive maintenance much the same as changing out a timeing belt before it fails.
How many miles before cleaning? I don't realy know (some have reported problems with as little as 20K miles), but failure to clean them when the carbon build up starts to be a problem can cause serious engine damage.
In the case of these Mini's the old adage "if you want to play you have to pay" holds true.

 

I hope they provided you with the slack measurement and did not just slap one of the "long" tensioners in. You need to know that to judge when to change the whole system. If it is at 68-70 mm, you may get another 20K. If it is 72, I would not go more than another 5K, even with the long tensioner. Over 72 mm, do it now. You should be able to find an independent shop that can do it for about $1200.

BTW, I bought two long tensioners from a Mini dealer for $36, each. It takes about 30 min to simply remove and replace. Measuring slack with the "dummy" tensioner takes another 30 min.

DOC

 

Thanks for the info. They measured it at 72.2mm so it's definitely out if spec. Thankfully I don't drive it much, but I'm definitely going to have to do the whole kit very soon.

The independent shop told me that it would run rough again and probably throw a code if the cam can't adjust enough to make up for the extra slack in the chain. I don't want to push my luck though.

 

Everybody's already in agreement about carbon buildup.

The issue here is that the dealer claims that carbon buildup caused the timing chain problem and won't cover it under warranty. Most of us are skeptical that they are related.

 

You are the first to respond that their shop provided the slack measurement. However, there is no "cam" that "adjusts". The tensioner has only so much travel. When the slack exceeds that, death is imminent.

Did the shop suggest a basis for pulling the trigger on system replacement?

DOC