Supercharge pulley problem.

[MiniDSW2005]

Hi everyone:

Since last month, my Mini tech told me that he found my MCS 's supercharge pulley is mis-align and damaging the belt, I then order a new belt and had him to fix it... But once he took off the pulley (the pulley is a aftermarket 17% pulley), he found the supercharge shaft was moved or miss aligned, which cause the supercharge pulley mis-align with the other pulleys.

May I ask if anyone had the same issue before? If yes, is there any way to fix?

Thanks a lot

[Capsaisin]

If your s/c shaft is bent, it's time to start looking on ebay for a new supercharger.

[Jim Ray]

If the person who removed your original pulley was not extreemely careful, and used the correct tool, they could have shifted the supercharger shaft in the lobe.

As far as I know, this means a new supercharger, or having someone very knowledgeable set your pulley in the correct place in relationship to the body. If your pulley aligned on the end of the shaft, you will need one of the type that allows it to be pushed further onto the shaft.

Good luck.

[MiniDSW2005]

Thanks, it seems the only solution is to replace the supercharger...
My friend suggested to put the stock pulley back in and claim the problem to dealer since my car is still under warranty... But I am not sure if the dealer will be able to tell if the pulley was modified, which cause the problem..

[Capsaisin]

Stock pulley is an interferance fit, you might heat it up and get it on but it will be a devil to line it up correctly without causing problems with the drive belt. Still if you drive it straight to the dealers you might get away with it - unless they read Mini2!!!

[MiniDSW2005]

Thanks Capsaisin, does it means the stock pulley re-installed may cause heat problem? I am currious because usually it takes at least one week for an appointment with our Mini dealer... Worst case... I may go to search for an used supercharger... or change belt once a year...

Quote: Originally Posted by Capsaisin

Stock pulley is an interferance fit, you might heat it up and get it on but it will be a devil to line it up correctly without causing problems with the drive belt. Still if you drive it straight to the dealers you might get away with it - unless they read Mini2!!!

[Capsaisin]

You only have to heat the pulley to expand it, to get it to slide over the shaft of the s/c. I don't think that would cause a problem, although the oil seal in the s/c end bearing might get cooked if you get the pulley too hot? Once installed there should be no heat problem.
The problem is that the standard pulley has no built in stop, unlike most aftermarket pulleys, so you can position the standard pulley anywhere along the shaft. There is only one correct position, when the pulley is exactly in line with the other belt pulleys. You might be able to get it pretty close with a straight edge, but maybe not exact. If the pulley is not exactly in the correct position, the belt will not run quite straight and maybe squeal or shred prematurely.
However, I would think a belt might last for several months if you are careful replacing the standard pulley.
Having said that, there seem to be always MCS superchargers for sale on ebay USA quite cheaply with very low or zero mileage on them - from the JCW conversion. I guess the going rate is around 300 $US.

[MiniDSW2005]

Thanks so much Capsaisin, I think I will stuck with the current supercharger until I find an used one then. Now I am thinking, when I buy a replacement supercharger, is there anything or modification that I can make it run better? Like before I saw a Japan company polish the supercharger....

Thanks a lot, now I feel better.

Quote: Originally Posted by Capsaisin

You only have to heat the pulley to expand it, to get it to slide over the shaft of the s/c. I don't think that would cause a problem, although the oil seal in the s/c end bearing might get cooked if you get the pulley too hot? Once installed there should be no heat problem.
The problem is that the standard pulley has no built in stop, unlike most aftermarket pulleys, so you can position the standard pulley anywhere along the shaft. There is only one correct position, when the pulley is exactly in line with the other belt pulleys. You might be able to get it pretty close with a straight edge, but maybe not exact. If the pulley is not exactly in the correct position, the belt will not run quite straight and maybe squeal or shred prematurely.
However, I would think a belt might last for several months if you are careful replacing the standard pulley.
Having said that, there seem to be always MCS superchargers for sale on ebay USA quite cheaply with very low or zero mileage on them - from the JCW conversion. I guess the going rate is around 300 $US.

[Capsaisin]

M7 sell a polished s/c for around 700 $US (exchange for old s/c) which is supposed to increase air flow by 20%, I don't know how that translates into extra bhp?
Usually it's just more cost effective to fit a reduction pulley, which you have anyway.
If you are now not in a hurry, I would keep an eye on ebay. Be careful as a lot of "new" superchargers on ebay are the older ones. Not that there is anything wrong with these, but the latest (after July 04) generation have coated rotors for a slight increase in efficiency. The build date and part number is on a label attached to the s/c, so always ask the seller for this information before bidding.

[MiniDSW2005]

Thanks Capsaisin, it is a good idea though by exchange my supercharger to the M7's one. Did anyone had it installed and if yes, is there any different for performance wise?

Kent

Quote: Originally Posted by Capsaisin

M7 sell a polished s/c for around 700 $US (exchange for old s/c) which is supposed to increase air flow by 20%, I don't know how that translates into extra bhp?
Usually it's just more cost effective to fit a reduction pulley, which you have anyway.
If you are now not in a hurry, I would keep an eye on ebay. Be careful as a lot of "new" superchargers on ebay are the older ones. Not that there is anything wrong with these, but the latest (after July 04) generation have coated rotors for a slight increase in efficiency. The build date and part number is on a label attached to the s/c, so always ask the seller for this information before bidding.