IMHO, the problem is less freshness / longevity of the oil, versus failure of the seals. It appears that the vast majority of failed SC's are due to oil depletion due to seal failure. And most of the ones I'm aware of died well before 100k miles.
While you MIGHT get lucky and have one of the SC's that never fails... you might also not get so lucky. For me, the device would provide the peace of mind to periodically check the oil fill level without removing the SC every time. If you're a paranoid preventative maintainer like me, that's a good thing. If you're more of a "I hope mine is a good one" types, then it's probably not for you (not that there's anything wrong with that). :wink:
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BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIsLifetime Supporter
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When my SC comes off, it will not go back on with out this or some way to change out the fluid... 2cents
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BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIsLifetime Supporter
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Mr. Jim,
Looked pretty sound, but a reasonable thought, for sure.
Theoretically, the unit should see neither pressure nor vacuum, so I don't anticipate a problem... but would definitely keep an eye on it.
Mark - challenge will be getting access. Effectively what Shaun did is use the existing hole. You could drill more... but you still wouldn't be able to access them without something similar to his setup.-
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Clear supercharger lube from GM has an odor to begin with, as does the factory fill. Because there is no exposure to combustion by-products there will be no odor or color imparted from normal operation as in an engine. Oil extracted from the supercharger gear lube reservoirs regardless of mileage will have a translucent amber character if the gears and seals are healthy. Darkening beyond amber indicates damage. -
Minidave Well-Known MemberLifetime Supporter
Well, I'm of the opinion that it can't hurt, but I am curious about the comment about other companys requiring changes at 25K intervals - I've never heard that before - but it could explain why Chevy dealers carry the oil and MINI dealers don't. (generally)
I changed the oil on a 175K supercharger and it was black as night, but the bearings were still smooth, there was no indication of play or wear on anything - so I simply poured in the new oil and reinstalled it - it's still going strong today. -
From Eaton:
Q: How often do I need to change the oil in my supercharger?
A: The sealed oil reservoir in a supercharger is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Changing the oil is not recommended unless you suspect contamination, leakage, or other issues like bearing failure. Also, if your vehicle has an abnormally heavy duty cycle, such as racing or towing, you could consider changing the oil at regular intervals such as 20k, 30k, 50k, or 100k miles depending on usage.
The common problem with our OEM M45 is loss of lube, and the only way to know the level is by replacing the fluid, or failure if too late. There are other wear related issues of course. -
ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
Someone simply needs to come up with a way to check, remove and fill the oil w/o tearing the front of the car apart.....
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I did ours when we changed the water pump just for security. I know that I'll have to do it again sometime since the rear gears didn't have that much and the rotors had some residue. Think I'll send it to Steggy for a port and rebuild when the head and cam happens.
Shawn -
BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIsLifetime Supporter
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I talked with Shaun (Imperial MINI) at MOTD also, got the demo, asked some questions, looked at the install on the car. Very clever what he worked out IMHO. The access tube comes up between the valve cover and the air intake hose. It wouldn't look out of place to someone not intimately familiar with 1st gen MINI engine.
I have a spare SC on a shelf and plan to install it this summer around 125k. I think I'll install one of Shaun's systems at the same time. The setup is very repeatable in terms of being able to measure the quantity of oil extracted and replaced. It doesn't extract 100% of the oil, but gets close enough that you can evaluate whether you're "losing" oil to seal leakage.
Shaun's system is one of those things that perhaps looks like it should be less expensive, but I think it's probably a pretty good value given the R&D effort he has put into it and the lack of viable alternatives. Seems to be a simple and effective solution. -
Minidave Well-Known MemberLifetime Supporter
I can't see any way to install the kit without removing the supercharger, and if it's not leaking, changing the oil once should carry you for a very long time, shouldn't it?
IOW, I never thought of this as a routine maint. item unless you're putting on 100K miles a year.
Again, I pulled a 175K super, changed the oil and it's still going strong and from what I can tell it will go another 170K with clean oil.
Nasty smelling stuff that oil is! -
Just back from the MOTD 12,
The product is a maintenance item,(I believe it's called an MCS recharger (kinda odd name)) I believe the idea to try and extend the life of the super charger,
by changing the oil more often, (like an oil change for your car engine), it gives the ability to change the rear (water pump) oil after it's installed.
The front snout/pulley can be changed, while the supercharger is still in the engine, (without the kit), but not the back. (That is while mounted on the engine).
The oil I pulled out of front (snout \pulley side), and the rear (PTO\water pump side) was black and smelled like something died.
The oil is going to be analyzed for the composition, and it's condition, but I believe it will take a week or two. I plan on posting the info. after I get it.
My 03 MCS has 19% Pulley and 72K miles, History of Supercharger, 35K as a JCW superchager and JCW 11% pulley. 35K with 19% Pulley, 2K with 15% Pulley.
I did note that the coating on the rotors was peeling back, at the tips 1/2" back. from the rotors tips. but know noted unusual issue sounds or problems.
I will be posting some pics. -
ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
What is the cost of this system and any pics?
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ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
Pic's are too small to see much, at least for these old bi-focal eyes.......lol
I assume this req's the car to be put into service mode to install? -
Metalman Well-Known MemberLifetime Supporter
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^^^ Did you go to their web site? Click media.....
Imperial MINI
Even my tired old eyes can see it without my glasses on.....
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ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
The ones on the site are almost as small and I didn't see the first one at all.......lol
Was hoping to see one w/o the IC in place.
Oh and......rrr:
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Mr. Jim MudsharkLifetime Supporter
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Metalman Well-Known MemberLifetime Supporter
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Man.... Some people.... You just gotta hold their hands.....
Oh Crikey.... Sorry Scott, I forgot you can't click to enlarge.....
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ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
I did.....! and it didn't.....! (at least not very much........:biggrin5
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