What to do first? (engine related question) Hello again you fine folks of MA. I was wondering what I should do first to the MINI I recently bought for my wife. I have been noticing some black residue coming out of the exhaust tips and was wondering if this was due to the issue of carbon build up that has been discussed? Jason Montague suggested that I get the BSH Oil Catch Can AND the BSH Dual Boost Tap to stop this from occurring, but should I get the sea foam kit first to get it cleaned out then buy the catch can and boost tap after? I'm on a bit of a budget so I have to do one at a time. I want this car to last a long time as we are really enjoying it and want to take care of it the best we can. thanks for any and all help you guys and gals can give. It is much appreciated.:biggrin5: Thanks, Rusty P.S. In the next year or two I'll be looking at getting my own so there will be two of these beasts in the garage!:cornut:
Kind of suprised that you havent got your own already...or that you havent taken HER MINI.....It happens all the time 1 person gets a MINI and pretty soon you become a 2 MINI family.....Happy Motoring ( when she lets you drive)
I forgot, was this brand new? The tailpipe soot is normal you'll get that, most cars you don't notice it or even look at tail pipes I'd got with the catch can set up first if new.
No Mr. Jim, we bought it with about 56K on it. I'm a stickler for a clean car so I can't stand having that stuff on the tips.
You might consider the walnut blasting first then, the seafoam gets some of it off but it's more smoke n mirrors IMHO.
I have a set of the stock 17" wheels off my mini, they are white. Need repainted, but are straight wheels. with continental runflats mounted. 1 doesnt hold air, another is pitted. the other 2 are worn evenly across the thread but are at less then 15% of life. I would sell the wheels for 225+shipping and not really any les if u want the tires removed and u have to pay for dismount. so if the difference is cheaper in shipping it would be worth it.
Thanks for the offer Tummi but she likes her silver wheels for now. We won't buy new ones for quite some time. I do appreciate it though.
Residual black soot on the tailpipes of the MCS is normal. It's not due to carbon buildup, just leftover hydrocarbons from normal engine combustion. I know I'm going against the grain here but I believe catch cans are a huge waste of money for this car, especially for how much companies like BSH are charging. If you're on a budget like you say, the more money you can pocket for every day consumables the better. Catch cans only band-aid the carbon buildup problem. Either vent the crankcase to atmosphere or clean the intake ports/valves by hand or with a walnut blaster. Just take a look at the intake ports after a couple of years and if they're gummed up, time for a good cleaning. If you're somewhat handy, you can do it yourself.