How to Replace MINI Cooper Cylinder Head/Gasket 2002-2006 R53 Part 1

[@ModMINI]

Step by step replacement of head gasket (& remove/install camshaft) on a 1st Gen MINI Cooper S. Get the parts and tools here: Head gasket: amzn.to/1jimU3Q Bolt set: amzn.to/1jimUkm Valve cover gasket: amzn.to/1Lp0qbO Chain tensioner: amzn.to/1jimWbX Thermostat & gasket: amzn.to/1jimXgf Intake/exhaust manifold gaskets are reusable. Bolt extractor set: amzn.to/1R5iMP4 Timing chain special tool: amzn.to/1jin6QQ 3/8 wobble extension: amzn.to/1PnCMyd 1/4 deep drive socket set incl. 8mm: amzn.to/1ZqyIBv 1/4 wobble extension: amzn.to/1Lp0Hvi Hose clamp pliers: amzn.to/1jinaQv Process will be similar on a naturally aspirated MINI Cooper - just little different for intake manifold and airbox. Want to show your support for MOD Mini? Virtual tip jar at www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar

[@riceski]

What would be a friendly price to do this job?

[@VMCJR0NE]

I have a 2006 mini cooper S I have replaced the automatic transmission fluid many times already and frustrated with the same siptom. Once the car is at the operating temperature for a while it starts to shift orrible, not smooth shifting and from 3rd to 4th at times it spins and does not shift until I let go of the gas , but when the car is cool at the beginning it works so smooth and works like new. Anyone knows what to do to correct the problem. I am very frustrated. Thank you. Email me at [e-mail]

[@hopeogle2041]

Hi! I’m trying to get some of the parts for my dad for Christmas to fix his MINI. Will all of these parts need purchased to do this job? He’s got a 2003 with the same issue. Like for instance, you have bolts listed, so are the bolts he will remove not reusable? Thanks in advance!

[@marxtr6]

Hope Ogle every time you remove the head you should replace the bolts, they tend to stretch when torquing them down.

[@brettashworth3499]

Mod mini, I have a 2005 Cooper S. Do I have to remove the rocker assemblies? It looks like I have access to the head bolts without removing the rocker assemblies.

[@cspreach1963]

Thank the fucking high heavens for ModMini. This man has saved me THOUSANDS of dollars, inspired me to start working at a mechanic shop, and has turned me into practically a mini mechanic. Shout out to this man.

[@leesmith3701]

This literally walked me through a seamless head gasket repair. These videos are so great. Detail and timely.

[@broderickweaver5236]

Did you get the head machined? I'm curious if it's required?

[@ricoreyes6044]

This is probably one of the best instructional videos I've ever watched. Perfect combination of to-the-point and details. Big thumbs up, thanks!

[@murdock6450]

new amount of respect for mechanics this guy is the man

[@bryantspeedcustoms9795]

We just started taking on Mini Cooper work at the shop I own and this video brought a lot of clarity to what it takes to do these properly great video and great audio! Thanks

[@ModMINI]

Good to know. Hope you get a stream of work. Lots of people don't want to toss their MINI.

[@bryantspeedcustoms9795]

Yeah we just finished up the mini I was telling you about it was so fried had to have the valves done and the valve seals at the machine shop but luckily they were able to resurface it

[@gentlecarlosible]

hi mod mini man. im all the way over in England and I've successfully changed my head gasket using your tutorial. the only words I have to say is when trying to pull the inlet manifold the bolts were fused to the studs and was impossible to slide back. I had to make a decision so pulled the head out with the inlet manifold attached. once I had the head on the bench the only way I could get the studs out was to wind 2 m8 nuts up the stud and lock them together and force them through all the crap. awesome tutorial and I couldn't have done it without you. TOP MAN

[@jamesguider706]

Hey im a new mini owner and mine has some serious issues but im willing to take the time to get it going. I just wanted to say thank you for the videos due to my girlfriend has sat down and watch all 9 parts you have uploaded and has a much better understanding of the car and the work i do for our cars. She has gotten more interested in helping and in the car itself. Thanks again.

[@mmbop6457]

Thank you for such an instructional video. I did my very own cylinder head job off this video (and part 2). Your videos are so detailed and to the point and very easy to follow. You’ve made my mini ownership fun (even when the car is down).

[@tygriff1217]

I’ll be digging into mine this weekend thanks to these videos ! About how long did it take you?

[@backseatcovers]

Great video, encourages me to buy another Mini even if it needs a head gasket done! There’s something both annoyingly complex but also satisfying in how they packaged the engine and to work on it…

[@richyrock69]

how can people down vote these videos, they are the best on KZbin.

[@adwarrior]

Great video, very helpful. One thing I did find is that if you remove the intercooler bracket and rubber gasket from the left hand supercharger horn you are then able to remove the intake manifold completely.

[@Toms_Short_Movies]

I was going to replace my leaking engine mount, chain tensioner and coil pack. Now it looks like a good time to do it all at once and put a fast cam in. Thanks for the advice!

[@DavidJohnson-sx1sm]

@ModMINI Thankyou so much for your videos!! My first cylinder head job ever and thanks to you I was able to get it off all on my own and not having to pay anyone! Now at the machine shop to get valve job. Thankyou so much!! Will be ordering a hoodie to support the channel!

[@loubob21]

How much was the valve job? Thanks

[@DavidJohnson-sx1sm]

@@loubob21 It costed me 325 at the shop to have all 16 valves redone

[@charredskeleton]

You are VERY professional! Seriously I like your style. Clear, concise, and informative!

[@SpikeBachman]

THANK YOU!!! This is a very timely video! My '05 R53 overheated this weekend, and I anticipate needing to perform this repair. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@mr89firebird]

Looking at getting an R52 MINI in a month or so. Great deal, just needs a new head gasket. Thanks so much for the video!

[@steviescott5379]

Watched a few of your videos now, your knowledge of mini's is amazing, just bought a r53 would love to do some work but it's having the various tools you have. Great watching. 👍

[@ChrisNieves]

great video probably the best. I used your guide to replace my head. can get this done now in about 4 hours total. the hardest part for me is to get the exhaust manifold bolts aligned with the gasket. Great video.

[@damianchiddle1145]

Your a legend. I have a r53 with a lot of problems which I now feel with your videos I can sort out and I’m a brick layer not really my game. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@josephvolk4420]

You should produce all instructional videos. The best I have viewed!! Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@ModMINI]

If I only had the time...

[@rpbishop3079]

I’ve heard a lot of bad feedback on timing set tools, what do you recommend, and or personally use? I really appreciate that you’re not only professional, but down to earth. Thanks,

[@IamMagPie]

Oh, joy of joys! Mod MINI has uploaded a new video.- That is one clean engine bay, by the way.

[@ModMINI]

+IamMagPie It wasn't until I cleaned it...

[@IamMagPie]

+Mod MINI Wow - nice job. I want to clean my engine, but I'm afraid of putting water in there. With all the electric cables, electronics and what not.

[@ModMINI]

+IamMagPie Everything is water resistant. Just make sure to run the motor until it is hot (dry) before parking. And don't use a pressure washer.

[@rasheengrant]

Great video as normal, very informative. As an current owner of 03 mini. Thank you.

[@MobiusGuitars]

If you post Part 2 of this (reassembly) before the weekend, I will send you beer in the mail. I'm in the middle of my HG project right now & will be finishing it up on Sunday!

[@ModMINI]

+Axe Hacks I will try but I have had no time to look at it. Will do what I can.

[@leestewartwebb9272]

Recently did this job with the guidance of this amazing video. Thanks. Turned out the the problem was cracked oil cooler/heat exchanger however. 😧

[@joselongoria7130]

If my head is not milky like yours do I need to take rods and cam off if I am just doing the head gasket.

[@KennyJohnson-uu7rf]

I used these videos and another of yours to replace my cylinder 4 valves. Thank you for posting this, it was very helpful.

[@macaw172]

sneed speed race head install went flawless. thank you again.

[@josephcoylejr.5236]

Love the video and thank you. Just removed the cylinder head definitely a bad gasket mine was exhaust leak into the coolant. Question, I’m seeing a warp of .003”-.007” in the middle highest in center. Is it worth machining one that is .007” out? I had no water in my oil. This one would run perfect for about 45 minutes before building up enough pressure to boil over. All other cooling systems components are working and new.

[@metame3803]

Thanks for another great video. I don't have a cylinder head issue, but I came here to learn about removal of the intake manifold. If I understand you correctly, you seem to say that the supercharger must come off to remove the intake manifold due to clearance issues, unless you remove the head the way you describe to clear the intake manifold studs. The Bentley manual seems to suggest that the intake manifold can come off without removing the super charger. Could you elaborate on this a little please?

[@martinsmith3503]

Love your videos! I have oil in my coolant but no coolant in my oil. I’ve checked the cooler and it’s clear with no gunk or anything!

[@mikethebike1423]

j'ais le même problème sur ma mini de 2005 .avec vous trouvé la solution ? merci pour votre réponse

[@khoinguyen88]

Thanks so much sir,now i can use as a template for my performance camshaft installation. Never worked with the internal engine and never wanted to try but this video gives me confidence. Thanks so mich

[@groove3pro]

Question?? Just replaced head gasket. Your video a huge help! While sopping up the milkshake in the oil filter housing I accidentally pulled out one of springs and cap. Superglued spring to center of cap and tried to connect it to its mate. I guess the inner piece is broken as they don’t seem to want to snap together. Is this part essential? What is its function? I put oil filter on with just the one springy thing. Am I good to run it? Haven’t started it yet.

[@Chris-cj9jn]

Excellent details as always Mod Mini. So cool to see how you get things done. Can't wait for part 2.

[@keepfitcarl]

Watching u work mate was a pleasure

[@R2S1987]

I don't have a R53 anymore, but love to watch these video's! They're so educational! (is that a word? haha) Keep on the good work!

[@agungwibawaAR15]

Thank you for your video about how to fix mini cooper issues, I just make a little donation to support your excellent job. God bless.

[@ModMINI]

Thank you for your support!!

[@lukeybabes1]

I was looking to see if you had done a headgasket video the other day!

[@MrRod121]

Thank you for taking the time to video & walk us through the process, much appreciated.

[@minimanadam]

Gonna be putting on my tpr2 head and ns1 cam this weekend so I'm steady studying these vids #1 goto video for minis

[@jamall1690]

Thank for making this video, it helped a lot with getting my $250 MINI up and going like new.

[@rbazola]

Nice video (as always)! I just did this on my '03 and didn't have to loosen the I/C outlet duct from the intake manifold to remove the head. Saved a small amount of time.

[@ModMINI]

+rbazola You must have had to loosened it from the bypass tube or the intake tube from the supercharger?

[@rbazola]

+Mod MINI you are correct, the plastic horn slipped off of the s/c inlet! It's buttoned up now.

[@markwalker5984]

This is brilliant, great tips and a really thorough, step by step approach. Thanks.

[@IsraelitesUnited]

Hi great video. Need a bit of help. My timing chain holders broke, and the chain cracked the timing chain oil cover, and the tensioner was not working. I think the chain was slipping. How do I find TDC after I have replaced the chain with the fact that the chain has been slipping. Thanks for your help . My car is an R53

[@anderswestling7228]

Thanks for a really great video! It really made me to go ahead and lift off the cylinder head off my R53 JCW. It was a bit worse though than just the gasket. Piston 1 has a hole in the side. So I'll have to look for more videos how to replace that.

[@ModMINI]

Block is probably damaged? You may be looking at a bottom end swap.

[@dburrows1480]

Thanks for this. Now to go out and find one that might need a little work! Also, your cafepress link only goes to a template page with no products.

[@AtomikRoach]

@Mod MINI I need your expertise since you are the real magician of our MINI's. I started to change the head gasket, and finally opted to install a rebuilt W11 engine. BUT there`s some kind of sludge in the cooling system circuit, mainly in the radiator and heater core ( a mix of oil and prestone), is there an effective product I can pour in the system to clean it and flush it effectively? How do you resolved this situation when it happen? Thank you in advanced Kurt!

[@Fir3Chi3f]

Love every one of your videos, but I've got to say I've always called it a "Cheater Bar". The breaker bar is like a ratchet, but without the actual ratchet part. At least, that's what they're called in my garage ;) Keep up the great vids!

[@ModMINI]

+Fir3Chi3f I don't believe in cheating so they are all 'breaker bars' to me :-) (I actually usually just call it my 'chunk of pipe')

[@erinbuffyvilaysanh2761]

How similar is this process for an R50 (Non-S)? We're gotten as far as the valve cover off but I'm struggling to find a video specific to R50s for head gasket replacement

[@The1stDukeDroklar]

You are firkin awesome. So informative and detailed. Even pro tips and great priced links. Thank you sir!

[@matthewgorgoglione5492]

Great video, I'm on the checkmate 6R50, 53🤗, and noticed the fuel lines can come off by hand, also the fuel rail and valve cover bolts can be clean with rust proof liquid if u will...Ciao...

[@matthewgorgoglione5492]

Also little tip is that there's plenty of aluminum or aftermarket coolant bottles and mounts available for your track rig or daily...Go...🏁

[@glotube1028]

Oh Man Thanks! My wife just blew her head on her standard mini. She loves that car. This gives me confidence that I can fix it for her. I’ve done it on old single over head cam Mercedes. What do you think about getting a rebuilt head and who would you choose to but it from?

[@ModMINI]

There are a lot of good rebuilt heads on eBay. (US/Canada)

[@bifftannin5332]

Great! Very informative and helpful! One of the best videos for ANY mini enthusiast, keep up the awesome jobs!

[@audiloves4284]

awesome video man, you definitely have some of the best diy videos. and luca, while you're right it isn't a ton of space, when you actually know what what needs to be done it's surprising how much space you have.

[@ModMINI]

+Michael Majewski The 1st gen MINI is pretty well engineered for serviceability. The 2nd gen seems to be not as well planned out.

[@audiloves4284]

+Mod MINI agreed, however my girlfriend has a 2nd Gen with the n14 engine. and honestly easier than expected. had to do her timing chain and it's not a difficult task. maybe since I'm a tech I can pick up on it easier... but still s uprising lyrics easy

[@ModMINI]

+Michael Majewski It's not hard really, just a sequence of steps, but considering the "cassette" design, i was a little surprised how much time it took and how much stuff needed to be removed. I could change a timing chain on an R53 faster even though it's not a cassette design. Maybe it's just because I have more Gen1 experience.

[@audiloves4284]

+Mod MINI yeah the problem with the cassette design is that the breaks apart, like completely and your left spending s lot of time making sure EVERYTHING is out of the engine lol. there was broken top guide prices in the head I had to clean, and had to pull the pan off cause there were pieces in the pan, and had to take a paper clip and clean the oil suction tube to make sure there's no debris around the edges before the screen, and in my girlfriends situation I also had to pull the oil pump -.- because a small pebble sized piece got stuck between rod #2 and the oil splash guard and it was too tight to get at so I had to pull the pump to get my finger up there. believe it or not that little piece prevented me from being able to turn the engine completely by hand lol

[@tarajoe07]

02 r50 Thanks you. This video made the process much quicker!

[@wegngis]

Great job, and I hope I never have to do this!

[@scottbrixey6284]

What do you think would be a fair labor time for a shop to charge for this job? I have a BVH I’m wanting installed and I am weighing my options locally before shipping to car up to Detroit tuned

[@brianhaygood183]

If I've got chocolate milk in the coolant system, but the oil is clean, is that going to be a head gasket leak or a oil/water cooler gasket problem? I'm thinking of bypassing the coolant hoses away from the cooler as a test. Car runs fine, but more and more oil in the coolant.

[@ywnotube]

I always enjoy your video - there is a zen like calmness about the way you explain things. I have a question. I have 2010 R55 (non turbo) with exhaust manifold and a heat shield in the way to get to the oil filter housing. Is it necessary to move the bumper to get to the housing? I'm looking for a lazy shortcut if there is one.

[@Jsauce8921]

Great video. Used it to remove my head and replace valve spring on 2006 s, but when I started had some bubbling over of the coolant reservoir. Is this common?

[@ModMINI]

A little bubbling might be normal if you filled up coolant all the way and air is working its way out. If it persists or is violent, you probably have combustion gases entering the coolant. Either failed head gasket job or head with a crack between combustion chamber and water jacket.

[@davecapp4234]

I watched both the videos and just paused while doing my repair. My only worry is that while taking the timing chain off the sprocket I'm not sure I kept tension the whole time. If not, is it possible the chain jumped some teeth on the crank? I'm worried the timing will be off in reassembly. Any advice is very appreciated. Thank you for the video made this job very easy so far. I'm at the cleaning stage before reassembly.

[@ModMINI]

There is a guard around the crank sprocket that should prevent teeth from skipping as long as you did not turn the crank while the chain was loose. No guarantees but it should prevent it.

[@aquahits5674]

Excellent video nicely explained got to do one headgasket but can you leave the injector rail on the i take manifold.

[@ModMINI]

Aqua Hits not really. You won’t be able to get to the intake manifold bolts.

[@enriquetrejo3003]

I wish you were my mechanic. I need this done on my 03 Mini.

[@pardeepchana674]

Great video. The crank will only turn anti-clockwise (not clockwise as in your video). Does that mean the engine is seized?

[@ModMINI]

That's unusual. Give a bit more force in case you are stopping too soon. otherwise, time to inspect for something stuck (check valve timing first and any seized accessories). Also take car out of gear obviously

[@ChrisRengert]

Can't believe how many of your videos I have followed on my own car, they are the best! Now I have to pull a defective remanufactured head (grrr), but rounded out the hex hole in screw plug/seal for fwd timing guide (using a torx bit after hex failed). Any suggestions on what will grab inside of that hole to break the plug loose?

[@ModMINI]

Never had that issue. It's soft aluminum, just drill it out or use a die grinder to grind it out. Might be able to pull out the head with the timing guide still attached and work on it on a workbench.

[@JustinZupancic]

Why is necessary to remove the rocker arms and camshafts? The head bolts could all be accessed without doing this step so Im a little confused

[@ModMINI]

It's not necessary for head removal but you need to at least loosen all the cam bolts to realign the camshaft on reassembly.

[@Jsauce8921]

Your walk through is the best!! Lifesaver!!

[@juanrivera2636]

Greetings, I want to know if the crankshaft of a 1.6 non-supercharger mini Cooper works for a 1.6 supercharger

[@TheRealJustinMorgan]

How do you know if coolant in your oil is a bad oil cooler or head gasket? Is there a test that can be done to diagnose?

[@IsraelitesUnited]

Hi there, is it possible to reuse the Rocker Arm Shaft Tube Bolts if you had to replace the cylinder head gasket and stripped fhe head down

[@Bbadger81]

I like the new lifts, a good investment, do you find it better than axle stands?

[@ModMINI]

+Curtis “Harsh Tomato” Taylor A bit costly, and only marginally faster than getting a MINI in the air with jack stands, but it lifts almost 1 foot (30cm) higher than the jack stands can go, so there is a lot more room under the car.

[@ericmoreno1603]

Hi, looks like you know mini's in depth. Where are you located? and do you know anything about repairing/rebuilding the supercharger on the 2005 Mini Coop S. Great work!!

[@ModMINI]

They can't be repaired or rebuilt easily. I'd recommend looking for a used one.

[@notezgaming2659]

The same process is the same for just a regular 03 mini cooper right?

[@ragedmx_mx]

I had use your videos to replace , harmonic balancer, water pump replacement, replace supercharger oil, reservoir tank, replace fuel pump, I am now trying to fix a lot of pressure in the cooling system.. I think is a head gasket .no oil on coolant and no coolant on the engine oil, you think that the main cause? thank you.

[@ModMINI]

Pressure in cooling system is either a stuck cooling system cap (it should vent at 16psi) or combustion gases getting into the coolant. In the case of the latter, there will usually be some sooty particles in the coolant.

[@jayflow5571]

In advance, Thank you for your efforts in creating this instructional video. What is the Model/PN of the battery operated tool you use to remove bolts/nuts etc? Aside from that I'm hoping you can recommend what I should do next. I disassembled my 2005 R53 S to replace the radiator and camshaft sensor, but prior to disassembling I heard an air leak that was synchronized with the rotation of the engine. I've gone over the engine area but have not been able to identify the source of the leak. No water in oil or oil in water. Plugs look normal but at 85K miles and after reading several threads about carbon build up and power loss, at this point it wouldn't take much more to remove the head. Can you suggest other common failure points for air leaks other than a head gasket? Any suggestions on any subject matter would be greatly appreciated.

[@ModMINI]

+Jay Flow Ridgid 18v impact driver at Home Depot. Any 18v will do. An air leak could come from anywhere but a common one is the small diameter vacuum line on top of the right side engine mount (crank pulley end of the motor). It can get disconnected or the plastic tee broken off. Another spot is the fuel vapor purge solenoid (next to the dipstick) not being fully plugged in. The last and harder one would be the black tube between the throttle body and supercharger. 2005 doesn't have a carbon buildup problem. That's only a problem for gen 2 MINIs. If you suspect head and the noise is from combustion chamber, do a compression/leakdown test and you'll find your leak.

[@jayflow5571]

+Mod MINI I will definitely check all those potential points of failure. I was also told the manifold could be an issue. I also see you use a Sears Craftsman right angle torgue driver. I'll probably get the Craftsman right angle torque driver first. This may be a dumb questions but would I need and adapter to use my standard metric sockets? I know it's been said before, thank you for your amazing instructional videos which by far as the best I've ever seen.

[@ModMINI]

Probably not manifold. Exhaust manifold leak would be a snapping sound. Intake manifold is solid aluminum. You just need a 1/4 quick release to 1/4 or 3/8 socket bit. You can get those anywhere.

[@mathewkim8104]

Hi I own a 2002 Mini Cooper s that has a blown head gasket... where are you located? :) Do you know any mini mechanics in the NYC/NJ/CT area who can do this job? Thank you.

[@sheriaken5144]

Thanks so much these videos - They have saved me and my husband a lot of money and we truly appreciate it! My husband is replacing the oil pump on our 2012 mini countryman s and we can't find the torque for the drive chain/sprocket bolt for the oil pump in the sump. Do you have any idea on this? Thanks

[@ModMINI]

Sorry I am not sure, but if no value is published, it should be close to what you'd expect for any other similar bolt.

[@priusgame1178]

From what you know do these heads ever come cracked or warped with a blown head gasket? I usually work on 4 cylinder Japanese cars and they almost never have issues on the head

[@ModMINI]

Not sure what you mean. A new car would not leave the dealer lot with such a defect. Head issues are rare on these as well but they do happen sometimes. Usually previous overheating incident, some sometimes have burnt exhaust valve issues.

[@larrywhitesell4139]

So I was wondering how much head warpage is allowable without machining? And how much warpage can the head have and still be surfacable by a machine shop? Thanks, nice video.

[@ModMINI]

Typical guidance is 0.002in.

[@patrickschenker2442]

like the video man. tell me what is your opinion on the newer mini cooper s engines. did you already see a lot come in for repair regarding to much slack in the timing chain???

[@ModMINI]

+Patrick Schenker I haven't had the opportunity to work on many newer MINIs. I have heard that most 2007-2009 R56 have the timing chain problem, but most had the problem when they were still young so it was probably fixed by the dealer. Personally I think the older MINIs are able to take more abuse/modification.

[@Bangerboy985]

about how many miles was this before headgasket blew ? 200k? is oem gasket MLS metal gasket?>

[@IsraelitesUnited]

Hi, do you know how to remove stock hydraulic lifter tappets in the rocker arm of the r53

[@AnubisBC]

This is awesome! You are my DIY R53 hero! I'm curious, are you saving any time by not simply taking this car down to front service mode? I think that by dropping the rad at least partially away from the front end, you won't have to fiddle with the intake manifold as much, and will have a bit more room to work. Of course, you are far more experienced then me, so I'm just looking for your viewpoint on this approach.

[@ModMINI]

The only thing FES gets you is additional maneuvering room for the intake manifold. Do whatever you want but you can eliminate the need to maneuver by using the secret trick I show you in video. If time is less important to you, go ahead and remove front end.

[@AnubisBC]

@@ModMINI Will definitely try this method when it comes time to pull the head. Thanks!

[@pyramidion5911]

Thank you so much! Just got the cylinder head off 👍👍

[@sailr8833]

@Mod MINI because you had a head gasket failure you drained all the coolant out. I'm just replacing the cylinder head. In my case, when I go to disconnect the thermostat inlet housing, do I still need to drain all my coolant as well? I'm ok with a little coolant coming out, just don't want it to come flooding out... Thanks👍

[@ModMINI]

You should drain the coolant. It will go all over the place if you don't. It will still spill when you take off the head even if you do drain it. But not as bad.

[@sailr8833]

Mod MINI Thanks!

[@neilhamer9264]

Just bought a 2003 r53. does not overheat but no heat whatsoever bled system get bubbles. Whilst bleeding system today with cap it burped water through the header. Does this suggest head gasket. Also do these heads need skimming? cheers

[@ModMINI]

What do you mean it burped water through the header - water was coming out of the exhaust? It's fairly easy to test for combustion gases in the coolant. If present, you have a head gasket sealing problem. Head should be fine to reinstall as long as there are no cracks and it is clean, straight and true.

[@primoperez805]

I've found some free time now that school is out and was going to attempt to check the timing chain guides for the cause of my knocking. I replaced the tensioner recently and there was no change. Will I be forced to remove the timing cover or will the valve cover be enough to check? I just don't want to assume crankshaft problems since the noise seems to come from the timing chain area. The car has 107K miles on it but I believe the car has been driven hard by the previous owner and neglected some regular maintenance since the oil and coolant were bad when I first got it. Thanks

[@primoperez805]

It seems like minute 26 is where I'll need to be in order to check, minus removing a few components. No mechanic has wanted to touch the mini without quoting me for a rebuild or replacement engine. Thanks for the great videos and explanations.

[@ModMINI]

You can see damage by removing the valve cover.

[@ModMINI]

Oh and a lot of the times, the noise is rod knock, not timing chain. So be prepared for worst.

[@wrxnofx]

That little Craftsman impact driver is awesome, the one you're using when removing the intercooler. Can you share the model number? I can't seem to find it on the Sears website...

[@ModMINI]

+wrxnofx Seems like it is no longer available. This seems to be the next best thing: amzn.to/1jt9T7g

[@wrxnofx]

THANKS!!!!

[@ModMINI]

Update: My new favorite handheld battery impact is this one from Milwaukee. Lightweight but just as or more powerful than the big orange impact tool in the video. amzn.to/2I11R1E (Link is for bare tool. Be sure to also add the suggested battery and charger to the cart.)

[@patrickstewart4620]

Looks like you could leave the camshaft in head if just replacing head gasket? Or is it in the way somehow? Nice vid man!

[@ModMINI]

Head can be removed without removing camshaft / rocker arms. But the spring pressure can make it hard to realign chain during reassembly. Also its a little lighter and easier to lift out of the engine bay when working by yourself.

[@SooperSkoots]

Hi let me say fantastic video, I'm following exactly what your doing, can I ask please I have taken the timing chain tensioner out and when I squeeze it it feels notchy, it wasn't a smooth action and it stuck in at one point, is this normal ?, many thanks in advance Regards Mark..

[@ModMINI]

Normal. Only way to know it's bad is when it stops working.

[@derrickmckeehan687]

We are the process of changing head gasker and turned engine slightly to get cam gear lock tool on. But we done had removed the tensioner. The chain didn't slip on timing gear but could it on the crank? How should I check this before reassembly?

[@ModMINI]

Typically it stays in place on crank. When cam sprocket is locked with the tool, and tension applied to chain, all pistons should be level at center of stroke. You can use welding rods or other long wire down the spark plug tubes to confirm.

[@jaredrichard6627]

Hello, to start your videos are very well detailed and I enjoy learning how to fix different cars. I am hoping to purchase a 04 mini Cooper s but it has a blown head gasket which I should be able to do but was wondering what kit/brand I should use. And it also needs a couple wires re-ran due to mice eating them, is that difficult?

[@ModMINI]

Hope you're getting the car for cheap, there are a lot of good examples out there. Use any good head gasket brand such as Fel-Pro or Victor Reinz. Wiring can be hard or easy depending on the damage and whether you need to track down hidden damage, which is something I probably would walk away from, honestly, unless the damage is limited and obvious.

[@jaredrichard6627]

Mod MINI ok thank you for the info, im getting the car for dirt cheap $500. Hopefully the wiring won't be too bad

[@Immy445.]

Is it essential to remove the rockers and cam?

[@0313bouchey]

I’ve seen you work on several mini’s now. Have you owned a few, or are you fixing for people?

[@DrewPWebos]

As an upgrade and aside from the added expense, would a new head and cams install be considered a direct install or does it require more work?

[@ModMINI]

Not sure I undesrtand the question. If you replace with stock parts, it's a stock repair.

[@DrewPWebos]

@@ModMINI what I meant to say is if I have a blown head gasket can I upgrade to a new cylinder head without the cost of additional labor since your there already? (Obviously a new cylinder head is 10 x the cost of just a gasket replacement) cylinder is out already? Correct?

[@ModMINI]

@@DrewPWebos Yes, naturally, there is no way to replace head gasket without completely removing the cylinder head. Still may need to transfer some parts over to the new head

[@dougloos2855]

I noticed right at the beginning you had a post that this could be caused by oil cooler which would be much easier. Should you just try that first or is there a method to check? We have a 2005 with oil contamination. Please let me know. Thanks Doug PS enjoy and have made use of your mini videos-thanks

[@ModMINI]

You can remove and pressure test the filter housing. Filter housing was already tested on this car.

[@dougloos2855]

Thanks for the reply-keep up the good work

[@nfinit3]

Where did you get the battery powered impact tools you use on you shows, and of what manufacture are they as I definitely need them in my garage. I don't know if you'll even read this, but your programs have literally save my personal assistant on many more times than its possible to list here. Thank you and please keep up the good work. Ray Presley

[@ModMINI]

See all the links in video description . Here's a parts and tools list. amzn.to/2XZsTyG

[@cyprianwyatt1425]

First off, great video. My question is, is there an easy way to tell if the camshaft dowel is missing. I have a feeling mine fell out, especially since I found it in the oil pan. Thanks

[@ModMINI]

Only way I can think of is, look at the front of the camshaft. If it's not there, it's missing...?

[@cyprianwyatt1425]

lol, of course... I guess what I'm getting at is if I can tell if it's missing without taking off the sprocket

[@cyprianwyatt1425]

Well, now that I look at it, I can see that there is no way to tell without taking off the sprocket... to that point, I don't even see how the dowel could come out at all. Is there anywhere else the dowel could possibly be from? BTW, mine's an '05 R50. Thanks

[@ModMINI]

The dowel fits in the cutout in the center of the sprocket. Can't think of any other solid alignment pins

[@samuelrykken3732]

Hey thank you for posting this video. This will be the first time I have really worked on a car before besides changing the fluids and the tires ha. So I took the engine head off my mini but I didn't have time to clean it or put it back together. It is just sitting in my brothers garage while I find time to get to there and work on it. Should I be worried about leaving it all taken apart without cleaning any of the pieces and letting the air get to it for like a 5-6 weeks?

[@ModMINI]

+Samuel Rykken Spray some WD40 or something in the bore so it doesn't rust, and stuff clean rags/towels into the cylinders and anywhere else you don't want dust or critters find their way in.

[@samuelrykken3732]

+Mod MINI Thank you!

[@samuelrykken3732]

+Mod MINI Hey so I was able to put the engine back together with the new gasket seal and there doesn't appear to be any leaking so far. However the car seems to be running a little rough, almost like its lost power or like the it is just trying a lot harder to run. I think I may have messed up my timing because when I was putting it back together I got really confused when I placed the rocker arms back on the camshaft and the orientation (of the camshaft) I remembered didn't feel right so I just lined it up to where one end of the rocker arms was down and the opposite end was up. Could I have done something else wrong or is my guess somewhat accurate? (I have a 2003 mini cooper s by the way) I appreciate your help!

[@ModMINI]

+Samuel Rykken Not sure if I understand. It's impossible to get the camshaft wrong because there is an alignment dowel on the sprocket. You may have gotten the chain wrong however. If in doubt, remove timing cover and align the three bright links on the chain with the small arrows on the two sprockets.

[@samuelrykken3732]

+Mod MINI +Mod MINI Oh yeah that's right! The dowel did fit inside the sprocket when I was putting it back together and I did make sure to mark the sprocket and the link with white out so I am pretty sure that's all correct then... The clutch pedal felt a little stiffer to push down as well. So if it isn't the timing what could I have messed up when putting it back together? Are there any tests I should run?

[@Mr_Ashley]

How is the head gasket gone? That car looks fresh off the factory line!

[@ModMINI]

Car was detailed before it broke