I'm usually for anything branded "Yale", but I think I'll pass!
BTW: I know a few folks recommended doing the timing chain guide rails. I just pulled 'em from my '05 MCS (83k miles) and they were moderately worn (and one was broken off at the bottom). I've got 90% of a draft for the how-to article done over on my "Rufus Refresh" thread.
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agranger MINI of the Month June 2009Supporting Member
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Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
You are taking it to Helix right? You know the boys will look it over and let you know what needs replaced.
Also add thermostat housing since they crack and cause a leak.
Timing chain tensioner. -
Yeah I talked to Eric and his general advice was to wait until stuff breaks. I'm trying to avoid paying future labor charges by taking care of a few things in advance with this one.
Good call on the chain tensioner. I also need a crank position sensor (gasket is leaking, like they all do).
Decided to get stoopid and doing a bunch of stuff to this car, and want to be sure the basics are also taken care of. -
Canusrufis RMW Powered R53Lifetime Supporter
If you've never changed the oil filter housing gasket now would be a good time -- especially if R&R chain tensioner. With the head off those 3 PITA bolts would be easy! part#7 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=RE33-USA-06-2005-R53-Mini-Cooper_S&diagId=11_3395
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I second the oil filter housing gasket. I replaced the on on my 02 this last summer. I also replaced the water hoses going to it they had started to swell because oil had gotten on them.
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stuff that goes out around the motor not listed so far:
add new chain guides to the tensioner
Engine harmonic balancer if still OEM
belt tensioner
idler pulley
AC clutch
fuel filter
fuel pump
clean the inside of the intercooler and pretty much the entire intake path, especially throttle body butterfly and the bypass valve mechanism
engine mounts - I'd go 30k miles tops for the upper, while the lower and gearbox mounts can go much further -
Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
John (Jackmack) knows what he is doing and this is not his first MINI. Heck it may be his 5th MINI as I have lost count. He has had 3 R53’s both GP’ss and an WC 50 or whatever it was called. I am just glad he always comes back to the R53 first gens. He knows how to take care of a car and I would buy any car he offers up for sale.
John, yeah I know how Eric is but I am with you, fix it before it breaks. I wish you would have kept the blue R53 “Bad Dog” as that was a very cool car.
Let me know if you want to chat. Just shoot me a PM and I will send you my number. -
Dave, thanks I’ll take you up on that. I’ve been in contact with the current owner of Bad Dog. Almost bought it back last year, but they backed out. So I bought this 2003 as an extra car and to teach my son how to drive stick.
One thing lead to another, now I’m going in deep with mods and fixes. Not as far as some people, but got my hands on a few things and will make it nice.
7 MINIs so far, including 4 R53s. Yeah, keep coming back to them. It’s where the fun is.
@fishmonger - Already did the bypass valve and belt tensioner (both had failed). Also replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. And far more than I care to admit right now!
Stacks of parts currently in the garage for winter projects waiting to be installed, including R56 front brakes, SS brake lines, aero bumper, grills, and side skirts, M7 strut brace, new JCW suspension, new GP rear bumper trim, new JCW steering wheel, airbag, and MFSW conversion, Milltek header, etc, in addition to the stuff at the top of this post.
It’s “go†time. Probably do a build thread in the Spring with photos and details. -
Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
John do you still own the MINI catalog / car show JCW car? That is a damn nice car .
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Thanks all for the feedback. Here is where I ended up including:
Cam position sensor and gasket
Crank position sensor and gasket
New Intercooler and boots (current intercooler has a broken bracket)
Water pump and gasket
Thermostat, housing, and gasket
Upper and lower radiator hoses
Fuel regulator line
Oil filter housing gasket
Timing chain, tensioner, and guide rails
Oil change/filter
That's it for now, plus of course the other major work that was being planned which started all of these extras! -
Crashton Club Coordinator
If you haven't done so already you may want to add an ATI damper to your list.
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Crashton Club Coordinator
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Ok, I’ll bite. What are the risks/benefits of replacing the crank pulley with the ATI damper now? If the crank bearings are worn, isn’t it too late?
Open to opinions on this.
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