1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Head Gasket issues

  1. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    #7 Eric@Helix, Mar 3, 2015
    If you're going to do it yourself, take the head to a good machine shop to 'check it and deck it'. the parts will be cheap, but you might want to get yourself the 'cam tool' to set the engine at MDC. The other 'special tool' needed is the engine bracket, but you can make one of those with some square stock and a drill. You'll see what I'm talking about. Go for it!
     
  2. c0op3r

    c0op3r Active Member

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    #11 c0op3r, Mar 3, 2015

    Cristo is basically correct

    I recently had an RMW head made (thanx Jan) and had it installed, with Injectors, new gasket kit (complete kit) and new spark plugs and the total was less than 4k$
     
  3. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    #6 cct1, Mar 3, 2015
    Run away from that place. Or ask for a packet of whatever they're smoking; it must be some pretty good stuff.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #8 Dave.0, Mar 3, 2015
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #2 MCS02, Mar 2, 2015
    First post. Welcome to MA. When you pull the head off have a meachine shop check that it is still flat. This in the perfect time for MODs
     
  6. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #3 cristo, Mar 2, 2015
    $3600 to replace a blown head gasket sounds steep.
    For that, you should be able to put in a ported and polished
    head with a cam and have some change left over, providing
    the old head is good for the core charge.
     
  7. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    #4 ZippyNH, Mar 3, 2015
    That's very high....
    Dealer?
    maybe it is assuming the head is warped and the valves are bad....
    But still....
    Many have said the gen1 mini head is not very difficult.....so should not be so $$ if it is JUST a head gasket IMO....
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #5 Dave.0, Mar 3, 2015
    Welcome to M\A the FUN MINI site. :Thumbsup:
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #9 Nathan, Mar 3, 2015
    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.
     
  10. nkfry

    nkfry New Member
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    #10 nkfry, Mar 3, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2015
    What is the exact proof the car needs a head gasket? These cars rarely have HG issues. I would as for a compression check and leak down test to start with. I have seen a couple of cars that the head cracks around the first head bolt at the rear of the engine on the passenger side, which then progresses down the side of the head into the timing housing.

    Pic for reference:
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