Timing chain noise?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 MINI COOPER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,000 MILES
The car was at auction and running but had an engine sound, someone bought it then they brought it back because it should have had an announcement. They reran it, I got it as a non-runner. Towed it home would struggle to start but has a loud noise. I am trying to see if I can replace the chain, if it's the guides that are broken or what, if the motor can be saved since it still starts but may have jumped not sure. Also, have these codes. I doubt a misfire even on 2 cylinders would cause this much noise if coils were bad.
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 2:03 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

I heard the sound. It sounds like either the timing is off, or something came apart on the top end.

Have you removed the valve cover to see if there is anything damaged? Note: If the timing is off, this is an interference engine and internal damage will result.

I would remove the valve cover and inspect the top tensioner guide and for anything that has come apart. Make sure there isn't play in the cam bearings.

If everything checks well, then remove the spark plugs and get your hands on a scope. Check in each cylinder to check if there is damage to the tops of the pistons or the valves.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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  • 1,842 POSTS
I removed the cover and I thought I would see a million pieces broken, all tight, chain, guides are there, nothing broken anywhere, no play in the chain, ugh. I will remove the spark plugs and see.
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Pics.
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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More pics.
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
It looks really clean. Check to see what you find in the head.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 1,842 POSTS
Removed plugs, well dang, look at plug. Also put a camera in there and couldn't see that cylinder top, put a ling screwdriver in and it went through. Not sure if the noise is just pieces of the broken cylinder inside the oil pan.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 1,842 POSTS
Can you find out for ne how many cc this motor has? Trying to find a motor for it but most of them only fit 07 convertible and not hatchback, and some ask if it's the 159 or 160 cc. Not sure what the difference is. My ignition coils look different than many engines which do not fit. Mine look like the ones you insert into a BMW, each one is separate, not the one which has ignition coil wires and a distributor like some of the other ones out there.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

I have no idea what they are referring to with the CC. I can tell you it should be a 1.6L N12 (R56) engine. The ones with a distributor are from older model years.

Take a look at the attached pic and let me know if that is what you see for coils.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, that's mine. For some reason those are so high $2900-7k for these engines' vs $900 for others, this one is even higher than turbo ones.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

The cost is likely due to the model year. If you are looking at ones with a distributor, they are older engines.

Check out the attachment. I found a remanufactured one for a 2006 for $1,450.00 with free shipping. You may want to contact this place and see if there are differences and if they have one available.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, I checked with those, $3,650.00 cheapest used one, they out on remanufactured. Thanks for your help.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. Let me know how things turn out for you and if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 9:02 PM

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