Driving to work today and started getting a death rattle. Oil pressure light came on. Popped the hood and there's oil all over the backside. FML.

 

yikes

 

Yikes!!! That's no good.. what year is your MINI?

 

2010. Isn't that one of the years with the timing chain issue? Oil is coming out of the timing chain cover as fast as we could pour it in. Called Motorwerks and Mini North America, both are saying it doesn't qualify for recall work.

 

Is this a S model? I would have thought you would have fallen under the recall notice.. But do you know if you have the updated tensioner?

 

Timing chain tensioner failure would not (alone) be responsible for this much oil loss.
Send us the picture of the source of the oil leak. Is there a hole in the valve cover? The head? The block?

a

 

Yes this is an S. They aren't showing any previous timing chain work being done. I'll get it towed in tomorrow I guess and go from there. I would prefer to have Modern Automotive Performance do the work but if MINI will cover it I guess they will do it at Motorwerks.

 

Can't see the actual source. I'll try to take some pictures tonight or tomorrow. My concern is if the timing chain stretched and caused too much play it may have caused seals to blow somewhere.

 

I was thinking the same when you mentioned how fast the oil was coming out. That's a lot of oil! Im from Minnesota as well. Motorwerks MINI of Bloomington is where I gather your taking it? I hope they take care of it for you. Keep us posted on this. Im very curious to find out what the cause is of all that oil! Plus they should be able to tell you if you have the updated tensioner or not. Even if this isn't an issue have them check for you.

 

Tensioner bolt back out?!

 

So after reading the thread about tensioners... That isn't a recall issue, but possibly a warranty issue. Time for more phone calls in the morning.

 

Same thing just happened to me recently at 57k miles. Mini did the timing chain replacement out of warranty for me, but charged me for some other miscellaneous work which I was happy to pay for considering what the timing chain would have cost. Good luck working with your service adviser. Don't be a jerk about it but mention the service bulletin.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll be calling again today and probably towing the car in as well. I'm not as concerned about the price of the timing chain as I am about the possibly trashed motor. We shall see.

On a lighter note: when I was pulled over another guy in a MINI stopped to see if I was okay, don't know if he's on here, but THANKS!

 

" when I was pulled over another guy in a MINI stopped to see if I was okay, don't know if he's on here, but THANKS! "

Sounds like the tensioner leaked and worked out.

Hope things work out for you, yea other MINI motors' help out each other. That's nice to see.

 

Car is at Motorwerks MINI in Bloomington MN. Only time will tell how bad the damage is.

 

Someone needs to invent a safety-wireable (drilled hole) version of the tensioner bolt. That or a Stage 8 style lock.

 

Good idea.. That would help keep the tensioner from backing out!

 

I sure hope someone steps forward to fix your timing chain/tensioner for free, just because your year VIN do not match up with the recall doesn't mean it can't happen to those not apart of the recall. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

 

I agree with systemlord. Even if it doesn't fall into the recall they should at least do a "good will" replacement or fix. Im sure the timing chain issue far passes there recall cut off point! With the oil loss that he has..maybe the tensioner did back all the way out like danjreed said. Heck maybe it fell out! good luck! Hope they take care of it!

 

It sounded like they wanted to help out but had to check with the factory and was hinting at a 50/50 contribution. I would love to hear they are going to cover it fully, but not holding my breath.

 

Well a 50/50 is better then nothing. But 100% is really what I think should be done. This is by no means a unknown problem. its common. Im sure they are going to see how much MINI will cover and go from there. good luck though. I will be looking to see your results!

 

It's more than common, it's normal almost.

 

How very true Systemlord. I guess one could say its not if it will happen its when will it happen.

 

It's as normal as changing your thermostat housing! These are the only things (timing chain #2) to cause me trouble if you don't count having to replace the valve cover at 49K, that wasn't as dramatic and could have waited several months to replace. It was a slow leak down the backside of the valve cover, very slow.

 

If there is one thing I can say is that I don't feel MINI has done enough to tackle the two most things that plague the R56. Thermostat and timing chain issues. Even with the updated tensioner that really doesn't mean you wont have problems down the road. Instead of giving us the same faulty new part revamp it a bit to make it better! After working on a few R56s hands down the R53 is like a dream. While it had its issues..nothing at all like the R56. Plus I do like the super charged over turbo. But that's my preference!