1st Gen R53 Cooper S Hesitation after 16% pulley installed

I purchased my 05 MCS with 85K miles on it three weeks ago. Last week I added a WMW 16% pulley package, with belt tensioner, belt and plugs. After adding the 16% pulley it seems like It needs more fuel during normal acceleration. Almost every time I step on the throttle lightly to half-way it seems really jerky like it is starving for fuel. When I am at WOT it feels much smoother, but still like it should be pulling harder (Feels kinda flat).

Below I have listed the maintenance I have done since getting the car, prior to what I have done I have NO Maintenance records for this car. I will tell you though, the clutch, steering, and suspension all feel tight. I know I need to replace the upper engine mount, but that shouldn't cause what I am feeling.

05' MCS - 87K mi - Recent work done;

Replaced 3 weeks ago-
Upper Airbox lid removed and K&N Cone Filter "rigged" to factory intake tube (No Heat Shield),
Oil Changed twice with Royal Purple 5w-30 and STP filter,
Plugs changed to direct replacement NGK iridium,
New EBC Red Stuff Brake Pads/sensors all around,

Replaced Last Week -
Plugs changed again for JCW 1 step colder plugs,
WMW 16% pulley installed
New Gates belt installed (correct one)
Tensioner Stop, and bushings.


I was thinking it probably needs a fuel filter, but then there is one more issue. Sometimes, when I start my car (cold or hot), I hear a nasty ticking sound coming from Cylinder 1 or that general area. I've heard it referred to as the "diesel sound", either way there is something sticking or just plain wrong and was curious who has experienced this and what it was.

I definitely appreciate any help!

~Justin

 

ALWAYS ALWAYS use 93 when I fill up. It actually occurs from 3500 - 5500 rpm or so, and it feels like the fuel is cutting out. Which is why I thought fuel filter replacement would be a good Idea as I'm pretty sure its the original, this is being done this weekend.

The ticking/knocking i am getting randomly at startup also concerns me as I read somewhere that carbon buildup can be a problem on R53's. When I start it and I hear the dreaded ticking I rev it lightly once and **** it off. Restart it after a few seconds and it is gone, or definitely reduced and a few more revs will make it go away. Sound always comes from passenger side near cyl 1? :mad2:

I wonder if Seafoaming it would help?

 

I will eventually get there...but I'm not going to tune until I am done building my masterpiece. Beast Mode is in the works, but not there yet. And knowing me I'll NEVER be done....

 

I inspected the crank pulley last week when I installed the new SC pulley, No visible cracks or seperation and looked to be in great condition. Also, Traction control is the first thing I turn off when I start my car...it stays off. :cornut:

 

I agree about it being odd...

During the first spark plug change the first week I had my car I took special care to apply dieletric grease to all contact points. I also cleaned my cyl #3 terminal on the stock ignition block, and applied dielectric grease to all 4 contact points there as well. The wires are original so I will replace them as normal maintenance soon.

I think I am going to try the Fuel filter first then go from there. Maybe it is limiting fuel pressure/flow, maybe not?!

Thanks for the reply!

 

The first plug change was to the iridium's, last week I DID install the JCW plugs that come with Way's pully package...Idle is def smoother with the 4 prong platinum's.

 

No CEL or SES, so It's not throwing any codes that would set off the CEL, but I have not had it connected to a reader either. Can the Mini throw a code without tripping the CEL? or SES?

 

LMAO...you mean those weren't jets i replaced

 

So not related to the hesitation, i dont think....but i was smelling coolant on the way in to work this morning. I just walked out and checked and the expansion tank has exploded green coolant stuffs all over my engine bay.

Called WMW, right down the street from my work, and they have 1 left. Thank god!