This brings back memories! Haha. Had to replace my entire front end on my R53, engine, SC, clutch kit, every single gasket, bushings etc... What a pain. Worth it though.
Big project. Take your time and do it all right the first time. Don't let the frustration factor to grow. Looks like a fun project and we're all behind you bro!
One of the best detailed videos I have seen well done sir.. excited to watch the remaining vids. thanks for your hard work, precise and clear explainations!
milanmastracci those spark plugs look filthy can't believe there new, told u in the very first video we always see these broken down on the side of the road hear in the uk but guess what ? I just bought a 71 classic Austin mini van lol
I know I'm late to the party, but you should probably replace the throttle body, when that goes out it causes misfires and a rough idle, throwing a CEL P115c. Trust me after rebuilding the top end on my '09 MCS and still having the same issues. With the new throttle body she runs like a champ!
Have you explored the exhaust header solution. 4-2-1 header configuration will help. Exhaust fumes are going back to cylinder 4 exhaust port causing misfire.
milanmastracci oh there's room. Or setup a twin scroll. But I hope all what you're doing will fix the miss fire on cylinder 4. But if I am right the way they design it, it allows exhaust to go back into cylinder 4 exhaust port when cylinder 4 exhaust valves opens. Exhaust manifold was a bad design. Do you get misfires on higher RPM?
Ok. So it was possible! That's good to know, because I did not want to try and put all the wires back on with the engine in.. :) Most are already out, though.
You better have the cam locking tool to remove the timing chain and the head, otherwise it will be a lot of work getting the engine back in time or fixing a timing issue. And you should invest in the bentley manual, its supposed to be a lot of help.
It seems so easy to take the manifold out, I saw there is a hex bolt on the intake manifold support, how did u take that bolt out? I need that remove so i can have my water pipe replace.
Hey bud, I do about 3 of these minis a week, I know them in and out, including the motor and trans. If you need any help or advise, I'd be happy to help
I'll give that exhaust 5 months tops before you start seeing the rust again. The only way to get rid of the rust is to COMPLETELY get rid of it before painting. Didn't even come close.
Man I don't know how you got that downpipes out without going to "service mode" I think it's called. I worked on my ex's mini and service mode (pulling the front end a few inches) was so worth it!
This is at a bit over 120,000 km's. Unfortunately I don't have the previous service records for the engine so I had no idea if anything was replaced before.
milanmastracci I know!!! I was actually looking at a refurbished engine from sneed4speed and have an independent mini shop install it. I want to avoid the dealership at all costs
I didn't install it on the vehicle yet, however I will be able to install it on the downpipe to keep the engine bay temperatures down and keep the engine running better. amzn.to/2NpbeMA
I was wondering what that piece to the exhaust with the mesh wiring was called? On my Mini Cooper it's loose. Where it feels like I can actually pop it out I was wondering is that supposed to be loose because my car isn't running it saying it's saying 02sensor. Thanks in advance
What year is the Mini? If it is a 2007-2010 then it likely has something to do with the timing chain/tensioner as the N14 motors are notorious for the timing chain tensioners not working correctly causing the chain to come loose and damage the engine. Some symptoms are a rattle on cold starting the car "Death Rattle" or a chugging when letting the car cruise. If this is a 2011-2013 with the N18 motor then Im not really sure what it could be....
You could have done a simple leak down test to figure out whether you have a physical problem with the engine before tearing it apart...exhaust cam, intake cam, blown head gasket, hole in a piston, rings, etc...
Well I know for fact the intake ports for the valves were not making a good seal. The way I see it, is that if I'm going to make the mini fast and get it ready for a big turbo, why not upgrade EVERYTHING inside the motor so it can handle it :)
Ah, gotcha. I just hope your misfire wasn't due to a bad injector or something, ya know? Always a good idea to diagnose the problem before ya do open heart surgery, lol. But if you're upgrading to a bigger turbo & pulling the lower end too, then yeah, ARP main studs & head bolts and shorter pistons to lower compression and all that.
@milanmastracci I recently changed out my coils and plugs, misfires were gone for a few days then came back. I took the coils out and a couple of them had the rubber boot stuck where the plugs are along with the spring inside the rubber boot from the ignition coil also where the spark plug lies... what should I do?
I'm so happy I don't have a Prince engine. Tritec FTW. Although you'll make power easier. Are you doing a full rebuild? Check out the timing chain kits from Detroit tuning. They have a Cryo treated Chain. Good luck.
Wish I found this great video earlier. Got my head at the machine shop now! That little tank holds a reserve of vacuum to run the actuators. Note it has two ports, but looks like one was cut off on yours. IIRC one line goes to the a port on the bottom side of the vacuum pump, the other line goes to the turbo wastegate solenoid that hangs under the intake manifold. Im unsure how your wastegate would actuate if the little tank wasn't connected to the vacuum pump. Maybe just not shown in the video?
So far this is the greatest and most clearly comprehensible Mini mechanical video I've ever seen! Bravo! SO HELPFUL!!!
You should always put grease on the threads of the spark plugs...
Don't rush it now! It's a winter project now, even if it was ready there's no point diving it in winter so get it built for after the cold!
This brings back memories! Haha. Had to replace my entire front end on my R53, engine, SC, clutch kit, every single gasket, bushings etc... What a pain. Worth it though.
One of the "vacum" hose you removed by the end is a kind of oil fumes/vapors return, minute 17:50 something
Big project. Take your time and do it all right the first time. Don't let the frustration factor to grow. Looks like a fun project and we're all behind you bro!
Thats the game plan!! I don't think that I will have the car ready to go for this summer, but should be ready for next spring!!
One of the best detailed videos I have seen well done sir.. excited to watch the remaining vids. thanks for your hard work, precise and clear explainations!
Very helpful indeed.i have a major issue in cylinder 4 and I've decided to work on it myself. I'll be using this video as my bible.
Nice video, hurry up with part 2, I've got to rebuild my motor Cooper S to resolve the same problem ...
Nice video there buddy. Might be picking up an 09 mini S. Will be looking to videos like these to help me out with future repairs.
Did you try and get new coil packs and spark plugs
Yes that was the first thing that I tried to get rid of the misfire
milanmastracci those spark plugs look filthy can't believe there new, told u in the very first video we always see these broken down on the side of the road hear in the uk but guess what ? I just bought a 71 classic Austin mini van lol
milanmastracci I would say it is a junk exhaust valve or intake valve
This is awesome, I don't even own a mini. I find this very fascinating.
Thanks buddy!! :)
Great video, I can't wait to see the rest.
You got some serious cojones to do this project.
Definitely an inspiration...
You do have the best Mini Cooper S videos
Thanks Ted! I appreciate it
I know I'm late to the party, but you should probably replace the throttle body, when that goes out it causes misfires and a rough idle, throwing a CEL P115c. Trust me after rebuilding the top end on my '09 MCS and still having the same issues. With the new throttle body she runs like a champ!
did you at least do an compression test before disassembling the engine ? (maybe I just missed it)
So hyped for this series, i feel bad for you though having misfires. Keep the videos coming though i want to binge them !
I'm on it :)
I love your OCD about everything man.
Im going to attemp fixing my mini, this video will be my guide, for engine overall, awesome work bru
Thanks Yusuf! Good luck brother 👊
Amazing detial explained of each and every part.
A lot of info for Mini's....keep em coming......thanks
Have you explored the exhaust header solution. 4-2-1 header configuration will help. Exhaust fumes are going back to cylinder 4 exhaust port causing misfire.
I don't know if I have the room in the engine bay for a custom 4-2-1 collector. If my car was N/A, it would be a lot easier
milanmastracci oh there's room. Or setup a twin scroll. But I hope all what you're doing will fix the miss fire on cylinder 4. But if I am right the way they design it, it allows exhaust to go back into cylinder 4 exhaust port when cylinder 4 exhaust valves opens. Exhaust manifold was a bad design. Do you get misfires on higher RPM?
I learned the hard way how easy it was to remove the motor first and leave the wire harness on
Ok. So it was possible! That's good to know, because I did not want to try and put all the wires back on with the engine in.. :)
Most are already out, though.
Awesome video! Appreciate all your time put into making it.
Great video, love what you did to the exhaust
Have you tried looking at the spark plug? The plugs are common for blowing and coming lose.
Excellent video (precise, detailed with actions) ... eagerly awaiting for the forthcoming part.
Thanks buddy!! :)
You better have the cam locking tool to remove the timing chain and the head, otherwise it will be a lot of work getting the engine back in time or fixing a timing issue. And you should invest in the bentley manual, its supposed to be a lot of help.
Great vid Milan, much more detail than normal, thanks for the extra effort. Looking forward to pt2 now, keep up the good work 👍👍👍
It seems so easy to take the manifold out, I saw there is a hex bolt on the intake manifold support, how did u take that bolt out? I need that remove so i can have my water pipe replace.
Some dedication jheez keep it up bro
Very high quality video bro
Did you forget to mention the most important /Hard to remove 10mm nut on support bracket below IM ?
when part 2 will be uploaded,man this is so fun to watch,nice work milan
Hopefully soon!! :)
Great job. Well done👍 so far😊
in the end when you removed it...
i was like....
wait are the fluids are still in it..?
i have a 2010 cooper s and i wanna upgrade my turbocharger. can i use a 52mm turbocharger on it?
Awesome video! Cant wait to see the rest!
What downpipe are you using? I didn't find it in the products description. Merci en avance!
17:50 it's a vacuum tank
Did you take a good look at the spark plugs when you removed them. They look black in your video indicating a rich mixture.
Hey bud, I do about 3 of these minis a week, I know them in and out, including the motor and trans. If you need any help or advise, I'd be happy to help
Send me an email at milanmastracci@gmail.com
milanmastracci sent
im working on a mini cooper i got it running it idles just fine. when i rev the engine thats when it does not go over 1500 RPM
Drop knowledge here so we all can see common problems with these.Upload videos somethig
Stuff that ain’t complicated becomes complicated on a bmw 😂
Great video!, I hope to see that car running soon.
Me too Omar :)
best you get that cylinder head ported on the exhaust side before you refit it . lots of BHP to be gained ...
I'll give that exhaust 5 months tops before you start seeing the rust again. The only way to get rid of the rust is to COMPLETELY get rid of it before painting. Didn't even come close.
Maybe its a vacuum reservoir around 18:00?
This is an outstanding tutorial.
Very thoroughly done. Great !
thank you ......great instruction keep it coming ....... and i hope you don't sell when its done!!!!!
cheers mate
Good job dude .. I'm waiting part 2 :)
Man I don't know how you got that downpipes out without going to "service mode" I think it's called. I worked on my ex's mini and service mode (pulling the front end a few inches) was so worth it!
Wouldn't it be hilarious if it turns out to be some bs 5$ problem in the end
LOL no!!! I'd be so pissed ahah
milanmastracci hey is your exhaust system aftermarket?
He fabricated it himself i guess or a friend helped him out.
great video man, very easy to follow! How many miles did you have on your car when this all happened?
This is at a bit over 120,000 km's. Unfortunately I don't have the previous service records for the engine so I had no idea if anything was replaced before.
Question. Is removal of the harness necessary, or could you have just removed it from the ECU and pulled it with the engine and trans?
Oh man. I'm stuck in a similar situation. Idk if I should rebuild or replace the engine. Enjoyed the vid. Good luck!
Be scared to spend WAY TOO MUCH at the dealership if you do decide that route. That's why I want to rebuild my engine myself
milanmastracci I know!!! I was actually looking at a refurbished engine from sneed4speed and have an independent mini shop install it. I want to avoid the dealership at all costs
whats that titanium shielding tape that you used for the downpipe?
I didn't install it on the vehicle yet, however I will be able to install it on the downpipe to keep the engine bay temperatures down and keep the engine running better. amzn.to/2NpbeMA
What socket wrench are you using? I wanna get one.
I was wondering what that piece to the exhaust with the mesh wiring was called? On my Mini Cooper it's loose. Where it feels like I can actually pop it out I was wondering is that supposed to be loose because my car isn't running it saying it's saying 02sensor. Thanks in advance
How hot does that manifold get ?
HOLY CRAP. I didn't think it would be this complicated. Damn.....
great job man you are my inspiration to work on my own car keep it up and good luck lets see that mini smokin some tyres :)
Glad to hear it Jon!! :) I want to see that too lol
Jonathan cilia i
What year is the Mini? If it is a 2007-2010 then it likely has something to do with the timing chain/tensioner as the N14 motors are notorious for the timing chain tensioners not working correctly causing the chain to come loose and damage the engine. Some symptoms are a rattle on cold starting the car "Death Rattle" or a chugging when letting the car cruise. If this is a 2011-2013 with the N18 motor then Im not really sure what it could be....
great job good luck 👍👍
Thanks Karim :)
@Milanmastracci hows the diagnosis coming ?
You could have done a simple leak down test to figure out whether you have a physical problem with the engine before tearing it apart...exhaust cam, intake cam, blown head gasket, hole in a piston, rings, etc...
Well I know for fact the intake ports for the valves were not making a good seal. The way I see it, is that if I'm going to make the mini fast and get it ready for a big turbo, why not upgrade EVERYTHING inside the motor so it can handle it :)
Ah, gotcha. I just hope your misfire wasn't due to a bad injector or something, ya know? Always a good idea to diagnose the problem before ya do open heart surgery, lol. But if you're upgrading to a bigger turbo & pulling the lower end too, then yeah, ARP main studs & head bolts and shorter pistons to lower compression and all that.
Nice quality! keep this up
Dude, you are awesome man..
Whoever welded your exhaust should've used stainless mig welding wire, they used mild steel wire that's why it's rusting
When You put it together and You have some screws left that means that it should work ok :)
Thank you ver much. When part 2 is comming. Like!!!
Well well well guys the journey begins...
Lol your exhaust system looks like a driveshaft
Its not straight enough eh ;)
milanmastracci He doesn’t know, mini’s are all wheel drive?!
What are those welds
what tune are you using?
Can you do vids on how to drift and other tricks with manual transmission.
Great video very informative.
Who the hell designed that wiring harness? It's a damn pain in the ass.
lol you're telling me ;)
Thank you for great video. It was very helpful!!!
Those welds though 🤣
LOL right.. ahah
@milanmastracci I recently changed out my coils and plugs, misfires were gone for a few days then came back. I took the coils out and a couple of them had the rubber boot stuck where the plugs are along with the spring inside the rubber boot from the ignition coil also where the spark plug lies... what should I do?
Hell of a video, thank you so much!
Vanos Solenoid? I went the same route you did and it ended up just being the $115 Vanos Solenoid
Great video dude
Thanks brother!
What size are those wheels
Where can I see part #2 ?
Thanks very much 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Can't believe it's been a year already! When is that bad boy going back together?
What Rim spec/Tire spec is on your car?
Please include torque specs when reinstalling
100% will :)
Amazing job!
Thanks Dyego :)
Are you accept car repairs? lol Im moving to Burlington on June from the US and you seem to be the man for the job.
Thank you Bro !! for your video please keep it detail 🤙🖖 like u r doing.
I'm so happy I don't have a Prince engine. Tritec FTW. Although you'll make power easier. Are you doing a full rebuild? Check out the timing chain kits from Detroit tuning. They have a Cryo treated Chain. Good luck.
what intake is that?
thats the 1.6 thp from psa and bmw ??
Sure is!
Wish I found this great video earlier. Got my head at the machine shop now!
That little tank holds a reserve of vacuum to run the actuators. Note it has two ports, but looks like one was cut off on yours. IIRC one line goes to the a port on the bottom side of the vacuum pump, the other line goes to the turbo wastegate solenoid that hangs under the intake manifold.
Im unsure how your wastegate would actuate if the little tank wasn't connected to the vacuum pump. Maybe just not shown in the video?
Time to rebuild my mini 😂 wait a minute I don’t have a mini 😂
check the gasket nd maybe replace the valve cover
Great Video!! Quick question, are you Canadian?