The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33536
Project Clubman B By Barry Brazier ack in Issue #27 we showcased a lot of products that we installed on our 2008 S Clubman. From EBC’s green brake pads, to N-M’s replacement tubes for the intake and exhaust sides of the turbo, we got our project car ready for its first major trip to MINIs In The Mountains 2010. Since then our only addition has been the Sprint Booster, a much-appreciated device to change the response time on the electronic throttle (often called drive-by-wire) system that’s worked out great! Now showing 24,000-plus miles, we’ve had no complaints with any of the factory JCW or advertiser’s products. All have performed flawlessly. However, over the cold winter months firing her up in the 15-20-degree garage for several days showed the obvious signs of the infamous “death rattle” that all 2nd generation MINI owners greatly fear. Death Rattle Essentially, the so-called “death rattle,” relatively common on the R56 has two potential culprits: either the timing chain is really sloppy, or the hydraulically actuated chain tensioner needs replacement. The adjustable part 42 MC2 Magazine www.mc2magazine.com itself is inside the engine case, the hydraulic plunger part of the tensioner is outside the engine and is the subject of Technical Service Bulletin #110207 (TSB). It refers to timing chain stretch. A TSB is issued after BMW/MINI realizes it has a problem, informing technicians that on a as-needed basis the adjustment, repair or replacement of a part is recommended by the factory under their warranty. It’s something that you as the owner should make your MINI service writer aware of if you have more start-up engine rattle than you think is normal. We know a large percentage of the 2007 and 2008 S models are in need of this adjustment or repair, but MINI has fixed the problem with the 2009 model year. I informed MINI Northwest of my fears, they measured the timing chain, tested the hydraulic part, and I am pleased to say that the repair cost me nothing. I’m a happy camper with a quiet engine now! From talking with our favorite technician (we’ll debut The Unknown Technician in the coming re-launch of our GoMotoring site) this problem is of major concern for the MINI owner that parks nose pointed up on a hill or high grade. This allows the oil to drain out of the hydraulic W Re a A le na l y A t z t end , T h A edd E n P go insh e O M i al t, s A a dd r e Bs is k T Rim ain cg k e n d hain Cs