What's up!! I'm new and need alil help!

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by Johnny88k, Oct 23, 2012.

Tags:
  1. Johnny88k

    Johnny88k New Member

    Oct 23, 2012
    4
    0
    0
    Self employed
    Downey, ca
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    So I bought this mini from an auction for $6k.

    Btw I'm new so supp!

    It's a 2008 mini Cooper not S hatch back. I been fixing it. And today I tried o turn it on but it was misfiring. So I checked the spark plugs and in cyn #1 it has alot of oil in the spark plug chamber u can't even see the spark plus. And in the rest of the holes there's only alil bit of oil. When I uncap the cap for the oil there's alil white smoke. So how can I fix this. What do I do? What do I need? Should I replace the coils also?
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site.:Thumbsup:
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    Welcome to Motoring Alliance. Thanks for joining.

    The first thing I would do is a compression and leakdown test on each cylinder.
     
  4. Johnny88k

    Johnny88k New Member

    Oct 23, 2012
    4
    0
    0
    Self employed
    Downey, ca
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    But I can't move the car. Won't drive. Is that something I can do at my house?
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    Compression yes, leakdown maybe

    See WC Engineering : Compression and Leak Down Testing

    You want to first establish that you have a healthy engine there before tossing parts at it.

    Keep in mind you three things for the engine to work too..

    Air - Plenty of that around

    Spark - You can move plugs and coils pack around to validate there is spark

    Fuel - Check the rail to make sure there is pressure. If so, then move around injectors to make sure they all work.
     
  6. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
    1,404
    688
    113
    Pilot
    Southern NH
    Ratings:
    +688 / 0 / -0
    Welcome!
    Sounds like it has some issues...
    +1 for making sure the engine is healthy internally before throwing parts at it...
    My guess is if the car was sold at auction, and will nor drive, it was more of issue than a small dealer with a part-time mechanic wanted to dealwith.
     
  7. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
    1,404
    688
    113
    Pilot
    Southern NH
    Ratings:
    +688 / 0 / -0
    Misfire usually means a mechanical fix is needed...sometimes it is a plug, wire or coil issue, but often it is a valve or piston issue...
    You can move plugs or replace...the coils can be moved to see if the issue follows the same coil....can be done...
    A compression test will tell you if the cylindar with the misfire is mechanicaly sound, and with a bit of skill and a bit of extra info if the valves, headgasket is ok or blown.
    Good luck, interesting project car....i hope that was what you wanted!
     
  8. iwashmycar

    iwashmycar Active Member

    Jun 1, 2009
    881
    87
    28
    architecture
    Columbus, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +87 / 0 / -0
    Sounds like a valve cover gasket failed. Those spark plug tubes go down though and that is where oil would come in at...

    Or, even worse ring failure... thats a rebuild!... would also make sense why you got a $6K 08
     
  9. Boxman

    Boxman New Member

    Oct 1, 2012
    144
    34
    0
    Technical Support Specialist
    Lebanon, Pennsylvania
    Ratings:
    +34 / 0 / -0
    Best of luck to you!

    If you're good with cars, I'm sure the car ended up in great hands. Great project by the way.
     
  10. Johnny88k

    Johnny88k New Member

    Oct 23, 2012
    4
    0
    0
    Self employed
    Downey, ca
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I can't remove the plugs. I tried all my tools on it and can't find the size. I tried 14, 1/2 and others. Is there like a special size for these plugs? On my 300C I used 5/8 to remove the plugs. Do u know the size for mini?
     
  11. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
    Motoring Alliance Sponsor

    Mar 13, 2012
    3,751
    1,087
    113
    MINI Parts Advisor
    Bedford NH
    Ratings:
    +1,090 / 0 / -0
    I believe it is a 14mm 12pt very very thin wall socket. I don't think you will find it at the parts houses. You might have to chase down a Snap-on or Cornwell truck.
    I am sure others will be able to give you some more solutions.
     
  12. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    Might want to pick up one these first

    [ame="http://www.amazon.com/MINI-Cooper-R55-Service-Manual/dp/0837616719"]MINI Cooper (R55,R56,R57) Service Manual: 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011: Bentley Publishers: 9780837616711: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sF763THiL.@@AMEPARAM@@51sF763THiL[/ame]
     
  13. Johnny88k

    Johnny88k New Member

    Oct 23, 2012
    4
    0
    0
    Self employed
    Downey, ca
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Ohh oright just bought one right now. How should I get the oil out of the spark plug chamber?
     
  14. iwashmycar

    iwashmycar Active Member

    Jun 1, 2009
    881
    87
    28
    architecture
    Columbus, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +87 / 0 / -0
    You can obviously sop it up with some shop towels or something... Maybe some electrical friendly cleaner like MAF cleaner? WITH THE PLUG STILL IN. I wouldnt chance getting anything into the engine.

    It's just going to fill up again if the valve cover gasket is shot.... Maybe check that the valve cover is tightened down enough...
     
  15. Imginger

    Imginger New Member

    Nov 26, 2012
    2
    0
    0
    Web Designer, Geek Grrl
    Flat Rock, Mi
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Hey! Had the same issue with my 2004 Cooper S. Compression test showed nil compression in Cylinder #2. Leak-down test was super bad. $2200 for a valve job or $5500 if it's more serious than that. Right now, I am weighing my options for a salvage motor for $2500. Sorry to hear it. Sick Minis are sad...
     

Share This Page