2013 Mini Cooper S Intake Valve cleaning

[@paulchilvers5032]

Thanks. Best DIY siphon blaster and particularly vacuum adaptor that I've seen after literally years of searching. Any idea how much Walnut media you actully used on this job?

[@durk1980]

Thank you! I researched the heck out of it prior to starting. The real credit goes to people posting in forums, lol. I’d guess I used 6 cups of walnut media. My box is still very full and heavy. I haven’t used it since. I almost want to start a side business doing this on Mini Coopers since it’s so prevalent.

[@jrodrims27]

those intake valves actually look pretty good as did your clean (not VERY carbon fouled) spark plugs, your catch can must have been doing a decent job. No need to do the valve cleaning on those valves but it was a good video nonetheless. Thanks! Changing the timing chain is easy...oh well. These cars are mostly just for fun, not reliable transportation or your only car, that's for sure.

[@durk1980]

True. I’ve seen worse. Not knowing at the time that it was the timing chain, I was trying everything. The timing chain is a complicated fix, with expensive tools required. If it’s easy, then you are an excellent mechanic my friend! BTW, the catch can was installed by us months prior to this. Yes, fun cars, but only when they’re working. This thing had a ton of problems. Agree 100% they’re not reliable transportation. Thx for the comment.

[@MynamesRonG]

They’re reliable if you take care of them.

[@matthewdurkovich9714]

Agree to disagree.

[@kiddcloud]

@@durk1980it’s after the fact, but they are decent kits on eBay including the tools needed for a timing chain replacement with everything included for $100. Great video. I learned a lot.

[@ihor6266]

Really cool!!!! You are the best!!!

[@durk1980]

Wow, thanks!

[@emilesarrazin7020]

Super clean really helps aswell

[@durk1980]

Yes it does!

[@precool]

@@durk1980 That’s a cleaning product? Have not heard of it.

[@durk1980]

@Jeffrey Daitz if you mean walnut shells medium, yeah, they’re incredible. Google it.

[@precool]

@@durk1980 oh yeah, definitely aware of the walnut blast action. I was wondering what super clean is or if the gentleman meant yes the valves are super clean now. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@durk1980]

@@precool I see what you're saying now. Super clean IS a great degreaser, and it does work, in place of walnut shells, but it takes a really long time. I wouldn't want it to get into the engine though. You'd have to sit there and take a soaked rag and scrape it basically. I agree it really helps as well, but for my time, I'm going with walnut shells specifically for the intake valves. Hope that clears it up:)

[@jamesgarage4327]

Once you take apart that hot air intake - from the intercooler - it typically leaks causing rough engine issues, might need to replace it with a one piece version

[@durk1980]

Interesting; doesn’t surprise me after everything I did on that car. Sold it shortly after this video, but good to know.

[@jamesgarage4327]

@@durk1980 it’s unfortunate that you sold but understandable. I noticed the air leaks removing the hot air hose to replace the passenger side engine mount - it leaks right where there’s a clip to the rubber and metal rings. I have one that doesn’t have issues and runs like a baby, but I put on a large intercooler and do a ton of regular maintenance - like every four years new spark plugs, battery, the two engine/transmission mounts, front shocks, engine coolant, 3K synthetic oil changes, 25K trans oil changes. It’s not a car I would just repair once a warning light goes on, lol. I also plan to charge out the front 17’ rims for 16’ so there’s more rubber damping when my current set of tires wear out.

[@precool]

@@jamesgarage4327 Two different wheel sizes? Interesting. How does it work?

[@jamesgarage4327]

@@precool you have to change the tire size too - to get close to the original circumference - there are calculators online- just have to make sure the rims are big enough in diameter and offset to go over the brakes ( front brakes are usually bigger)

[@erginylmaz6574]

Best solution " I sold " :D

[@durk1980]

For real bro. Fun when they work; not worth the hassle.

[@ToeNailBreaker]

How are you closing the valves ?

[@durk1980]

Go to 4:45. The crankcase bolt is turned, clockwise, and it rotates the pistons. Not all four of them are the same. That’s why I say two of them are one way and two of them are the other. Put a wooden skewer down the spark plug hole and when you crank the bolt, you will watch it go up and down. Once it goes up and doesn’t go any higher, the valves are sealed.

[@single_cam9199]

Alright let’s get some bets going TDC on #4 YAY OR NAY

[@durk1980]

Lol. They were all TDC when I cleaned them. I triple checked.

[@single_cam9199]

Hey my only fear of doing it is that it’s so bad there stuck open just enough it gets in there. honestly I’m noticing more and more nothing is serviceable Evan on a lift you can barley fit your hand up

[@matthewdurkovich9714]

I’m sorry my camera didn’t work while I filmed finding TDC. You need to turn the crank bolt until the wooden skewer in your spark plug hole is at its highest. Once at the peak, look inside. If the valve is actually still open, you have other issues. You can pour some carbon removal liquid, or fuel injector cleaner down there, and although that stuff evaporates a little, if there’s a seam around the valve and the edge, and it leaks, I guess that’s one way to confirm. If a few pieces of walnut she’ll get through, it’s okay. That said, it is a bad idea to let a lot go through, so confirming its TDC is necessary. You can pour gas down too with a little syringe like what you take medicine with as a child, and the gas should puddle. Just don’t use water. If the carbon buildup is that bad, you for sure need to clean it! Good luck. Oh, you don’t need a lift. Hopefully the video is clear on how to access it. There are some tight spots for sure, but I tried to show everything.

[@PatrickGreen-o4c]

You need a microphone

[@durk1980]

Yep. I have one now.