2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Taking a peek through the intake manifold!

Just an FYI. This is an issue with all DI cars not just MINIs. Oil from the recirculation goes back into the intake and coats the intake and valves. It get hot and cooks. On port inject cars the fuel going into the manifold cleans it and the valves.

As you see in Jeff's pics the port diameter in front of the valve is smaller restricting air flow and power. Also the entire surface is rough creating turbulent air flow reducing power and economy.

 

Take a look at this thread please.

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s-clubman-s-engine-drivetrain/15117-video-what-carbon-buildup-valves-looks-like.html

Long thread on the Carbon Issue

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s/6076-carbon-problem.html

 

I don't think there's any way to see the valves without pulling the intake manifold back away from the head. It's only held on with 5 bolts, so it's not hard to pull it back far enough to see down in there....

Contrary to popular belief most shops are not just trying to rip you off....

 

If the carbon build-up is bad enough, you can feel and hear it. The car idles more smoothly, and accelerates better. If you have a DI car, you will need it done every 50k or so. Don't even bother having somebody remove the intake manifold if you have that many miles or more without cleaning it: you'll need the service done. Don't bother with chemical remedies, or fancy catch-cans. None of them work. You just have to bite the bullet and get the service done. We charge $350 for the service and use the factory tools. Git-R-Done!

 

Nope... Nope.... Nope... Not all DI engines...

Some DI engines are designed correctly don't have the issue (or greatly reduced)...

As an example Subaru / Scion twins.... Maybe one of the Volvo engines...

 

This is Mikey from Helix doing mine a couple a year ago. This was not in their shop but rather at the Dragon working from a tent.

https://vimeo.com/65613419

Hope this helps to convince folks of the reality of carbon buildup.

 

It's like an oil change, don't be cheap just get it done.

 

What year is your 2nd gen car again? (2007-2010) I would say yes with 80,000 klm / 49,7097 miles on it and depending on what fuel you use you need it done if you car is running like crap.

Only way to be 100% sure is to open it up and look.

 

This is what you see before cleaning. My JCW with 99,000 miles. First cleaning.



And this is after a walnut blasting.

 

So, it's like carbon monoxide poisoning. You can't smell it or taste it and you don't know it's there. It just slows you down and then you don't wake up any more.

In my case, I was the 2nd owner of a very well cared for JCW and thought the performance was awesome. I didn't have a point of reference other than that car.

Immediately after the cleaning, the engine response was noticeable and so was the power.

Carbon buildup is something that comes with a direct injected motor. MINI, Ford, VW, are all using these motors. Maybe some have buildup occur slower than others but it is a maintenance item that should be performed during its lifetime. It does cost a bit but you don't do it yearly. My first cleaning was at 99,000 miles. I had Helix do it at MINIS on the Dragon. Depending on driving style and weather conditions where you are impacts how soon and how much buildup you get.

Safe guess is every 30,000-50,000 miles. Average price is about $350 at independent shop. Easily an item that an owner can budget for over time.