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Cylinder four compression failure

Tiny
NESS50
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 MINI ROADSTER
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
She’s currently in the dealership whereby they want to remove the rocker box cover to explore the timing chain.
Only 2 of her spec made so quite unique.
Specialist German engine rebuilders on hand if they determine it’s not the timing chain, any advice welcome please.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 12:57 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

If it is only cylinder 4, chances are it isn't the timing chain. Was there anything happening prior to the problem? Were there any noises associated with the problem, coolant usage, smoke from the exhaust, or anything you can think of?

Since it is only one cylinder, I would suspect it could be a head gasket. However, I need to know what the compression in all cylinders was.

Take a look through this link. It explains how to test for a bad head gasket. Maybe you will see something that you remember was happening.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Keep in mind, a timing chain will usually last the life of the vehicle. You only have 53,000 on the vehicle. That's another reason I don't think it's a chain.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
She lost power and revs that is it. Coolant advisory on mot which was done?
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
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Once rocker box removed will that show the gasket you believe has gone? I’d just rather it be done properly.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
She just lost power and revs. Backfired, then wouldn’t move. Coolant top up advised at mot which they did. Other than that no other problems.
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

Removing the valve cover won't tell you if the head gasket is bad. The best thing to do is a compression test. Pressure will be somewhat lower on that cylinder if it's leaking. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know what is found or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
NESS50
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
She’s going for an engine strip down on Monday. They rebuild using the same parts. One way I can guarantee no dodgy engine replacement and each stage of the rebuild they diagnostic check so she’s †firing all cylinders’ and safe for years to come. I went with my heart!
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

I totally understand. If you have a chance, could you let me know what is found as the problem? I'm really interested in knowing.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

They did the diagnostics today and this is what they’ve found:
Afternoon, your problem is a common fault, your cylinder head has dropped a valve seat causing cylinder and piston damage so requires a full factory specification rebuild as discussed, cost wise it’s going to be  4000 plus vat provided the cylinder head can be machined back to spec.

He’s confident it can and will be if not they’ll have to find another.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

That is a very possible cause, so I suspect he is being honest. The cost is another matter. Are you comfortable with that price? Can I make a suggestion? Contact Mini at their zone office for your area. There should be numbers for customer assistance in the owner's manual. Explain to them that you feel this never should have happened at 53,000 and find out if they would be willing to pick up part of the bill.

I realize the powertrain warranty was 4 years or 50,000 miles, but this would really upset me if it was mine with only 53,000 on it.

I don't feel it would hurt to at least try, but that's up to you.

Take care and let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
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Morning.
She was already at Mini. I didn’t feel any kind of positivity from them which is why I sent her to these guys.
$8,000.00 it would have cost via Mini.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 AT 12:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

That's your call on that one. That's a lot of money and I'm not sure what the retail value is of the vehicle. Also, not knowing where you are located makes it difficult for me to let you know if you are being overcharged. It is a BMW product, so I know they are a bit more to take care of.

Regardless, let me know if I can help in any way. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
NESS50
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
She’s worth it. Offered 12k for as she is. Sought after †lady’.
I’m in Kent UK.
They use the parts she was built with-the head is going away for re-spec, the rest they do. They’re on Instagram. Have a look. Prestige German Engines x’ they do 3-4 pwk.
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Friday, July 2nd, 2021 AT 1:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

I looked at the link you sent. That sounds like a good place. Also, if that is the value of the vehicle, it is worth fixing for sure!

Someday, I hope to see the UK. It's just starting to get later in life. LOL I'm not sure where Kent is, but I bet it's really nice.

Regardless, take good care of yourself. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 2nd, 2021 AT 6:50 PM

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