So the Timing Chain is in trouble...

[MikeJS]

Hi guys, it's been a while, hope you all had a great xmas and new year. A tapping sound that was coming from my 2002 Mini Cooper has been identified as being a problem with the Timing Chain, with the suggestion that it is going to need to be replaced.

The car has zero other problems apart from that, and with limited available finance to repair it, i need some idea of how much it is likely to cost. The car doesn't get driven a great deal (work is within walking distance) so the problem isn't going to be exacerbated. How much is it likely to cost to repair it?

Thanks for your help.

Mick.

[Blusox]

Who diagnosed it?

[marque]

Hi ya

As above who diagnosed it ?
It could be a few problems causing it you may need a new tensioner, there about £60 and easy to fit, and there a known problem.
I take it it has clean fresh oil in it and is at the correct level.
If the chian does need doing 1320 mini would do it. give them a call they will be able to help and i would recommend them they no there stuff and its worth the drive.

Hope this helps

[Blusox]

biggest knock/tap is usually the clutch, it goes away when you push down the pedal. You can also get a tapping noise from a broken or worn valve spring.

[karlos9191]

I don't think this would be the common timing chain tensioner issue, this didn't affect the 2002 models. Was related to the 2nd generation R56 MCS 2007-2010 ( before the facelift )

[gfoy]

RE 2007 Mini Cooper-S, US model.
Just replaced battery. Took about (2) hrs.
Most time was spent trying to remove cowling section.
Now, I could do entire job done in 45 minutes.
If anyone needs more info email me direct.
gffoye@cox.net

Clue.
At windshield, there is a flat (upper) seal fits tight against windshield, part of the cowl section covering battery.
Underneath, unseen, is a secondary, silicon (rope configuration) seal that runs full length bottom edge of windshield. Seal is held in place by a V-shaped ridge in Cowl, that forces silicon seal (up) against bottom edge of windshield. To release, cowl has to be first pushed down to release that seal, then out and up.

Remove only (2) fasteners, passenger side of panel plus long molding (seal) that runs right to left side. Suggest placing 3/4 inch wood or soft item under wiper blade to provide needed clearance.

Take your time to avoid damage. Don't lower hood more than about 15 degrees when removing panel.

[gfoy]

sorry, got battery replace thread wrong place.

GF

[marque]

Quote: Originally Posted by karlos9191 (original)

I don't think this would be the common timing chain tensioner issue, this didn't affect the 2002 models. Was related to the 2nd generation R56 MCS 2007-2010 ( before the facelift )

Hi ya

Gen1 had lots of problems with tensioner as well know fault with the gen 1
Change quite a few.

[MikeJS]

Quote: Originally Posted by marque (original)

Hi ya

Gen1 had lots of problems with tensioner as well know fault with the gen 1
Change quite a few.

Guys, sorry for the late reply, been busy etc. The car, as said, is a 2002 Mini Cooper, and it was the team at Mini Bitz Racing who gave the appraisal of the problem. To describe it in more detail: a slightly inconsistent tapping sound is emanating from the right-hand side of the engine, and when the gas pedal is pushed down it increases, with the sound fluctuating, i.e it's not a consistent tap. The latter is the concern, as before, it was a rhythmic tapping sound.

The car has been checked for tappits and also if there is any spark plug problems and is fine. The clutch and gearbox have zero defects.