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Bypass valve recalibration

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35K views 33 replies 17 participants last post by  MiniFr34k  
#1 ·
First I'd like to say I'm new to MINI2 and hi to all. I am patiently waiting for a delivery of a JCW GP. In anticipation of my new MINI I have been browsing these threads looking for ways to improve the performance of my much anticipated new car. One of the things that I've noticed is the common problem of a misaligned bypass valve. My question is if there is any detailed instructions on how to check if the bypass valve is completely closing and aligned correctly. Any "how to instructions" along with pictures if possible would be very helpful.
Thanks for your help!
 
#4 ·
Before you go taking a wrench to anything I have a simple question. Do you really think that BMW/MINI has such low quality control that it can't purchase/make a bypass valve that is adjusted just as it was designed to be? If the engineers at BMW/MINI wanted the valve closed completely it would be.
 
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#5 ·
Their have been numerous posts on this subject of getting yo yo effects on throttle response and lack of power. Apparently one of the main causes has been a bypass valve which has not been adjusted properly. We all here reports of some cars being stronger than others when fitted with the same equiptment. I have been in manufacturing engineering most of my adult life and am fairly aware of tolerances in production. I'm just looking to correct any small leaks in power that i can find. Just like to tinker I quesss.
 
#6 ·
Hi Guys,From the factory every MCS weve ever worked on has a leaking bypass valve. Every car will benefit from having it adjusted properly. Not only will you gain more power,but better economy too. On full throttle any loss of boost is bad news.
The power increase is probably around 5-8 bhp for most cars. The good news is anyone who has a GT Tuning conversion gets this valuable upgrade automatically at no extra cost.
I beleive in the UK we are the only tuner that include this.
Regards Roland GT Tuning:)
 
#8 ·
THE ITCH said:
I had not heard of this. How are they thread locking it?
Its only what ive heard from one of my mates who has some GTT bits an he had to have his bypass valve replaced under warranty, afterwards he had lost power an MPG, he had a look at the valve being fairly handy an it was thread locked, i think roland sorted it out from what he said :D
 
#9 ·
These pics may help...this is just one of the many valves we have done, this was actually fitted to my own MINI COOPER S...as you can see the first pic should be completely closed...its way to open :(
Image


But then once its adjusted , this is what its meant to look like, just latley a few of the newest 05 MINIs seem to be coming through correctly like this.....
Image


...and here is the adjustment grub screw. Mine was a Feb 2002 model which had thread lock.....easy adjustable though. :p :cool:
Image
 
#15 ·
If someone could please help here who have done this check in the past. I assume that you have to remove the throttle body first and remember to replace the O-ring when reinstalling. Then I assume you can then remove the bpv to check it. This is only an assumtion on my part as i have not taken delivery of my mini yet. Anyone out there who can be a little more specific?
 
#20 ·
The valve is mounted on the tube between the throttle body and charger.

First remove the throttle body, to get at the valve. It becomes obvious once you have the throttle body off what else needs doing to get the by pass valve off and on the bench.

Then shining a torch from the rear, look in the other end and see if you have light bleeding through around the butterfly. "like in the photo above" If so "as stated above" there are 3 screws which come into play the 2 on the butterfly itself and the stop screw. On my car all 3 needed adjusting!!

Its really a bit of trial & error from here. By loosening the 2 butterfly screws and moving the butterfly around and closing the butterfly until you get the completely closed valve we desire. You probably wont nail this in 1 attempt and will have to loosen & re tighten the screws a couple of times.

When finished make sure all the screws are tight you dont want these going through the charger!!!!!!! also put a smear of oil on the throttle body O ring and replace the BMW hose clamp which mount the by pass valve with conventioal hose clamps. Make sure to plug the throttle body wiring back in.

Its a easy straight forward job which most people can do easily.

John.