When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).
HELP! My 2011 MCS Clubman (n18 engine) jumps time after replacing the timing chain and valve seals. I followed the instructions from several sources, and used the required timing lock tools. I put everything back together and Crunk it twice. Then I removed the valve cover to recheck timing and the intake cam was about 35 degrees behind the locking position. I reset it, check torque on the cam bolts and tried again... Same result. Any ideas?
Yup... those TTY bolts are single use for a reason! Also... it can be tricky getting the crank locked correctly. It is easy to think you have the crank lock tool completely inserted in the right place when it is not!
I'm trying to figure out what went wrong. If you locked both cams and crank and tensioned the chain, all that is left to do is lock down both cams and crank sprockets bolts. I inserted wooden skewer into the spark plugs holes and manually rotated the crank. After two rotations when the sticks were even again, I was good to go. Let us know how it goes.
I'm trying to figure out what went wrong. If you locked both cams and crank and tensioned the chain, all that is left to do is lock down both cams and crank sprockets bolts. I inserted wooden skewer into the spark plugs holes and manually rotated the crank. After two rotations when the sticks were even again, I was good to go. Let us know how it goes.
After locking the crank and cams, I wanted to make sure the pistons were flat across the combustion chambers. I used a piece of solid wire, lowered it into #1, and grabbed it with fingers were the wire was just above head. Then repeated the process on the other cylinders while keeping my fingers in place. All cylinders were level.
I had to remove the 3rd cam (under the intake cam) in order to replace the valve stem seals. At the time, I was sure what that cam did, but took several photos and made a few location marks so I would be able to put everything back in the same position. I couldn't find anything on this 3rd cam. But I noticed while looking at the engine with valve cover off and having someone turn the car on(not cranking it), that the 3rd cam turns to open the intake valves before a startup.
I don't think it is causing the problem I'm having, but l am a bit in the dark about it. 99% of the documents, photos, and videos I've found are for N14's, and the N18 stuff I did find doesn't cover this.
The 3rd cam is called the intermediate camshaft and it is only controlled by the servo motor where the HPFP is. I am not sure if the vanos will change the position to adjust timing.
The way I do timing is intake cam, tensioner, exhaust cam, then crankshaft.
here is some readings the might help....make sure the vanos sprockets are where they need to be. IN on the intake and EX on the exhaust.
The 3rd cam is called the intermediate camshaft and it is only controlled by the servo motor where the HPFP is. I am not sure if the vanos will change the position to adjust timing.
The way I do timing is intake cam, tensioner, exhaust cam, then crankshaft.
here is some readings the might help....make sure the vanos sprockets are where they need to be. IN on the intake and EX on the exhaust.
Thanks, I was just on that database, looking at a couple related articles. According to one regarding 3rd cam (eccentric shaft), I installed it at max lift. I reinstalled it based on photos and marks as I said earlier, but the article says to install it at minimum lift. I dunno
I am embarrassed to say that my dad was looking over the work we did to the car and he found that I accidentally swapped the cam sprockets. ��We swapped then back, reset timing, Crunk it up, drove it, aannnddd about a minute into the drive the CEL came on and the car went into limp home mode. P1338 & 1339 camshaft position. We checked timing and it's fine. *sigh*
it is a good thing that it didnt move now...since the sprocket were swapped, i wonder if the cams also were swapped. can you confirm the lettering the on them? also, make sure the sensors are plugged all the way in.
Cams were not swapped. I'm pretty sure that can't be done considering that the opposite ends are different. I was very careful to keep the cams, rockers, brackets, tapits, and hardware organized during disassembly. I guess I just got to talking to family and lost concentration while installing the sprockets.
At this point, the engine cranks and runs great. We can bring it up to a proper temperature and there is no smoke coming from the exhaust, thanks to the new valve stem seals.
The problem we are having is after about a minute of driving, a CEL comes on and it goes into limp home mode. After clearing the codes, and restarting the car, it goes back to normal. The codes are P1338 and p1339, both camshaft position sensors. The car is in time, confirmed by the timing locking tools and checking that all the pistons are at the same position. While parked, it does not do this, only driving. It can go through the entire Rev range with no issues. I don't think the cam sensors are bad, but I ordered a set anyway.
What is the ECU expecting to see after about a minute of driving? What is changing?
If I can't figure this out, my only other choice is to trailer it to the stealership, OR Way Motor Works.
Yes, I disconnected 1 cam sensor at a time as you suggested. Immediately open starting the car I get a CEL. I don't recall the code but it was NOT the previous codes(P1338 p1339).
The sensors came in yesterday. I installed them today, same result. I emailed WMW and it may be while before I can free up some money to have them look at it.
I noticed on stuff i found on instaling/replacing the eccentric shaft that it shows placing it a minimum lift. I did not have this info when I put things back together so I put it in the way it came out. With the key off, mine sat completely in the opposite direction, I'm assuming that's maximum lift. So this weekend, we are going remove it and reinstall it at minimum lift to see if it makes a difference.
09-18-2018, 12:12 AM
