Trying to decide if this is normal, and I'm paranoid, or if this is an issue. I was going to listen to some other cars at MOTD and forgot. Noticed a while back that I have a fairly pronounced "Tsh Tsh Tsh Tsh Tsh" which seems to be originating from the direct vicinity of the fuel pressure regulator on my 2006 MCS. If I put my ear down near the center of the intercooler, I can ear this sound coming from beneath it, near the center. Frequency is approximately 250-300 "Tsh"'s per minute at 1000RPM idle. It's loud enough that I can hear it mixed in the other engine noises standing a few feet away with the bonnet open, but it becomes clear as I get closer, and it's definitely in that location as I get my ear to that spot. I've recently replaced the vacuum hose to the FPR, so I know that's in place and it's not cracked. It did it with my OEM IC and with my current GP IC, so I know it's not an IC leak. It's clearly below the middle of the IC, so it's not a boot leak. Normal? Not? Before you say "not"... please go listen to yours and verify. If it's not normal... then any help diagnosing would be welcome. Injectors have fresh o-rings, did it before and after the o-ring swap. Still on the original FPR. Thanks P
I think I can hear it faintly at idle with the top down Can definitely hear it with the bonnet open, but it's still not "loud" even then until you get close to the IC.
Just went out and listened. Mine makes a similar noise. I always just thought it was a little valve train noise but you are correct that it more from the center of the IC than the valve cover. I would also suspect FPR. When I get home I can try to pin point better with a stethoscope if I can get it under the back side GP IC. Someone with a normal IC might have a much better chance at pin pointing the noise.
Just probed around with a stethoscope and the sound is coming from the Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR). I was able to put the probe right on the FPR to pin point the noise. My Mini has always made this noise. I have the original FPR with 81,000 miles.