1st Gen R53 Cooper S Another death rattle thread

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by smokintires, Mar 5, 2014.

  1. smokintires

    smokintires New Member

    Feb 11, 2014
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    Even with the wave of posts I've found I still can't find a good guide on replacing the timing chain tensioner. I've gotten it'd bits about removing the front right wheel and wheel we'll liner, then changing it with a 19mm socket, but it was rather vague.

    Can anyone help??
     
  2. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #2 DneprDave, Mar 5, 2014
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2014
    The best advice I can offer is to get the Bentley manual, it is very comprehensive. Consider it part of the cost of changing the timing chain or tensioner. Don't go into this blind.

    Dave
     
  3. smokintires

    smokintires New Member

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    I've been using the pelican parts guides, and types a few of my own, I have a binder full of them. I was just hoping to save the 25 dollars for the Bentley
     
  4. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :cornut: This is very similar to being a race car driver and buying the cheapest helmet that you can find. I feel that my MINI is worth the investment of a Bentley Manual for the piece of mind and total mechanical knowledge that it brings.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  5. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    I don't think a Bentley is needed for this simple repair, it simply unscrews from the back of the head and the new one screws back in - how hard is that?

    It's on the passenger side near the end of the head on the back side, you might find it easier to get to if you remove the turbo hose - held on with two hose clamps.

    However if long term you're going to do your own work a good shop manual is a worthy investment.

    Where can you get a Bentley for the R56 for $25?
     
  6. smokintires

    smokintires New Member

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    I have an r53 haha, and my local autoparts store had one, it wasn't bently it was another company. I think it was on clear encrypt was the only MINI one they had
     
  7. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    Ah, some extra information in your first post would have been helpful, especially as only the really high mile R53's are having timing chain problems, I naturally assumed you had an R56.
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    The Bentley manual is much better then the one at the parts store. The one at the parts store is probably a Haynes. They are junk. I would only get a Bentley. I know I have used both.
     
  9. smokintires

    smokintires New Member

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    sorry sorry my bad, is it the same for an r53? just obviously there will be no removing of a turbo hose haha
     
  10. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Are you asking about the belt tensioner?
     
  11. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    From the title and being in the 1Gen section I thought you were having SC trouble.
    Lest start from the beginning. What is the year and type of Mini, also a list of mods if any.
    Then explain what is the problem and what you are trying to do.
    We will be glad to help!:Thumbsup:
     
  12. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    simple...get the damn bentley...stop being cheap..the amount of knowledge the bentley manual is 2nd to none...also to remove the chain tensioner is a 19mm bolt that is next to the oil filter housing...also there is a process of reinstall and making sure the sucker is seated right and capable of expanding because it moves based off oil pressure...
     

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