2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Vacuum leak

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by Projectman, Mar 8, 2014.

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  1. Projectman

    Projectman New Member

    Mar 8, 2014
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    I've been getting a check engine light with a P1492 code (Downstream Throttle Air Leak) on my 2007 Mini Cooper S (R56 with N14 engine). I can clear the code but it comes back about a week later. There is a hissing sound coming from the left rear side (on the left when facing the engine, it's on the right side of the car from the driver's position) of the cylinder head cover after I shut the engine off. The hissing lasts for about 20 seconds and as it slows down, it "burps" and goes for another couple of seconds before stopping. The car is not running as well as it used to. I'm assuming this hissing sound is not "normal". I took the cylinder head cover off but could not see anything apparent but I really didn't know what I was looking for. The hissing seems to come from the back side of the cover next to a hose that connects on that back corner about in the center of the photo I've attached.
    I wanted to check with the experts on the forum before I spring $300 for a new cylinder head cover - is there anything that can be done to fix the cover or is replacement my only option? Thanks for any advice.
     

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  2. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    Jan 5, 2010
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    :cornut: 1st post, welcome to MA. Check the crank case to head hose and it's connection to the head for leaks 1st. Leaks from the valve cover usually involve oil not gas pressure leaks. The crank case generates both positive and negative pressure during the different phases of the running cycle. :Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  3. Projectman

    Projectman New Member

    Mar 8, 2014
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    Thanks Jason - I assume that's the hose that comes up from below to the rear corner of the cylinder head cover. I did check it out and, while covered with a mesh, it appears to be intact. (I haven't yet figured out the magic code to remove that hose from the cylinder head cover. I'm sure it's simple once I figure out how to turn/pry the connector.)
     
  4. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :cornut: Your assumptions are correct. There is a plastic ring around where the nozzle connects to the head. There are 2 small serrated areas on the ring opposite each other. While pressing in on both serrated areas gently tease/wiggle the nozzle out of the head. I hope that this helps. :Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  5. nkfry

    nkfry New Member
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    Aug 12, 2013
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    Unless someone was in there recently there is no reason that connector would come loose. My bet is the PCV, which is integral to the valve cover has failed, you'll need to replace the valve cover to fix the issue.
     
  6. Desy232

    Desy232 Banned

    Dec 4, 2017
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    Thank you very much helped, for a long time I was looking for the answer to this question.
     
  7. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2011
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    I recently had to do both the valve cover and the PVC. It wasn’t too bad. Got the parts from Detroit Tuned.
     

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