Hi All,

New member here from Charlotte, NC. I have an 04 MCS with 156k miles. I changed the oil last week and put on a new water pump this past weekend. The car has been driving fine the last few days however, yesterday I drove it to work (ran fine) then when I went to start it 8 hours later, I heard the dreaded timing chain noise (sounded like a diesel). I drove it home (13 miles) very lightly and turned it off for the night, aside from the noise, it ran fine. Started it up this morning and it sounded fine/back to normal. I am assuming it would be the tensioner getting stuck given that i have not changed it and have read about similar symptoms elsewhere. I went ahead and ordered a Tensioner off Pelican Parts, I have another vehicle so I left it home today. I am new to the mini world but I am not new to cars, Just wanted to get some thoughts from the Mini Cooper Gurus. Thank you in advance.

 

before you freak out, replace this:
It is the cam chain tensioner, they get stuck and need replacing, before you harm the engine! It is under the oil filter, just to the passenger side. They had many go bad on the early gen 1 models.
They can be had for under $25.

 

Could it be your belt tensioner? Little shock tends to snap at the ends, forcing the little rubber bushing out. It creates metal to metal contact which could sound similar.

 

Thank you, this is what I thought the problem was. Is it a common issue for it to become stuck/unstuck?

 

Yes, it gets burrs on the piston and sleeve and if not replaces, could cost you the engine!
Best of luck and don't forget, it can also be a few other things, like chain guides, etc.

 

With 156k you really need to do the complete chain kit. We see this all the time at that mileage the chain is stretched and just putting a tensioner in it will at best be a temp fix. The chain will be slapping causing the noise.
We have a complete kit
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...0-r52-r53.html

or get just the individual parts
https://www.waymotorworks.com/02-06-...ts/index3.html

 

^ Sage advice backed up with experience. I am amazed the chain and plastic chain guide last that long. 156k is a lot of revolutions for the poor engine and gears.