Mini Cooper Timing Chain
Summary
Mini Cooper engines have had timing chain issues since their introduction, and the shop has serviced many of these vehicles with worn or broken timing components. Catching problems early can prevent costly engine damage.
- Mini engines from 2007 and newer have known problems with plastic timing chain guides breaking apart. One vehicle came in with a loud noise traced to a broken metal portion of the top timing chain guide, causing the chain to slap inside the valve cover.
- All broken and worn timing chain guides were replaced during the repair. The timing chain had not skipped at the time of service, so no damage occurred to the cylinder head.
- If a loud noise comes from any car, stopping driving it right away is the best move. A $150 tow bill is far less expensive than reconditioning a cylinder head or rebuilding an engine.
What are common Mini Cooper timing chain problems?
Mini Cooper engines are known for timing chain issues, particularly with plastic guides on 2007 and newer models. These guides can break or wear out, causing the chain to slap around inside the valve cover, producing a loud noise similar to a rod knock. Replacing all broken and worn guides is the recommended fix.
Mini Cooper Timing Chain – Mini Repair Denver
Mini engines have had some issues with timing chains since they first came out. We have serviced some of the older minis and replacing the timing components takes a little longer. The timing chain had not skipped timing at this point so there was no damage to the head. If you ever hear any loud noise from your Mini, or any other car for that matter it is best to stop driving it. A $150 tow bill may seem like expensive insurance, but not compared to the cost of reconditioning a cylinder head or rebuilding an engine. On the 07 and newer engines as shown here they have problems with the plastic guides. This car came in with a pretty loud noise that almost sounded like a rod knock, but we determined it was coming from the timing cover. After removing the valve cover we found that the metal portion of the top most timing chain guide had broken so the sound we heard was the chain slapping around in the valve cover. We replaced all broken and worn timing chain guides.
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