Mini Cooper S R53 supercharged - hesitation / Yo-yo acceleration. Fuel regulator vacuum pipe fix

Hopefully this helps someone somewhere!
If your R53 is feeling a bit sluggish, hesitant to accelerate and pretty useless under 4000rpm and you feel like there's something obviously wrong with it.... But you're not exactly sure what it was.... That's what I've been experiencing the last 6 months+ since getting a 19% pulley installed and the car felt slower afterwards!
I have tried various fixed including looking at the BPV, new spark plugs, new air filter, new supercharger belt... etc etc - but the problem remained
I have just fixed it! Very very simple fix. If you already know about this then please don't call me stupid! I only created this video to try and help others!
Under the left supercharger horn there is a little "nipple". You need to look under it (from the top of the intercooler side, back towards yourself) Right down at the bottom of the horn you'll see it.
On mine, this was disconnected.
I didn't even need to remove the intercooler to squeeze my hand in, but I was just able to get a few fingers in and reconnect the two together.
Problem instantly solved. Car feels alive again!!
I'm going to cable tie this on so it doesn't come off again, but after just going out for a 10 minute blast, the car is night and day different to drive.
Hope this helps someone!

[@ryanmcgill9241]

Bought an r53 cooper s last week on the cheap as the owner was worried about the lack of power. Saw your video last night, fixed the car this morning and now she files! You legend!

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

Awesome mate! Glad to help :-) Enjoy

[@snelletor]

Yo Nick, you made my day, no my week, even better, my year:)) Car rips like it should do! many thanks!!! Just bought this Cooper S 2003 and I thought the clutch gave way.. already on my way to the garage to get my warranty claim. After watching your vid, i just gave it a shot and went out to have a peek under the bonnet... yep it was dangling loose, refitted it and it's like a beast just woke up:) Many thanks from Belgium!!

[@markcollins5157]

Thanks Nick, had various suggestions, crank pulley, map sensors etc but there it was pipe was completely off now sorted👍

[@ryanwilliams5334]

I did this yesterday. What a difference. Owned r53 since Jan, felt sluggish through the revs, came across this video. Great help

[@julesgoodwill]

Thanks for this mate....been driving me crazy since i fitted the 15% pulley.....wouldnt pull the skin off custard! Looked at allsorts except for this cheeky little hose! Fixed now....thanks to your post🤘

[@azz187]

Picked up a 04 cooper s before Christmas from our local mechanic who services all our work vehicles for £300. Apparently the guy who took it too him couldn't be bothered to fix a seized alternator and the starter motor he burnt out cranking it over while said alternator was on the car , he told the mechanic to scrap it I said id happily given him twice what the tat man would anyways long story short 2nd hand starter 2nd hand alternator new aux belt £60 and a few hours of my time jobs a goodun a running and driving cooper s for under £400 took it for a raz and it feels fine goes well pretty fast but dont get going till over 4k rpm wouldn't say it's laggy or not picking up fast enough but will defo check this out bud cheers for the heads up

[@ohleeblaze]

Thanks for the vid! Plugged back the tube, went for a blast and yes the car is totally different! Throttle is proper responsive, what a difference!

[@zacG60]

Great stuff mate!! Saved my Mini from me burning it to the ground 😊 Couldnt pin point problems with my car till i didnt see your video. I had yo yo effect under accerelation and hesitation, didnt know that pipe was even there 😁

[@canlam5697]

my car has the same problem and was not able to figure out why. This has helped pinpoint the main cause. much appreciated.

[@ThePecker1981]

Brilliant mate, just done mine and what a difference, I thought it was going to be something expensive

[@JO-oi5jq]

Man what a life saver and bank the like haha just brought an r53 few weeks back and notice felt sluggish and was stuttering at high rpm thought fuel pump was failing see your video this morning checked car and what do you know disconnected thanks so much worth your weight in gold lol

[@SpeechScience421]

Thank you for making this video! Now my MINI runs like it used to :)

[@franciscomacias5808]

Amazing how u helped so many people including me bro I have a 06 mini and the engine management light was on i couldn’t figure out wat was wrong until I saw ur video koodos to u god bless. By the way ur coopers look awsome

[@jamiebarber4675]

Literally this post just saved my ass from buying a new bypass valve. I have a 17% pulley and intercooler etc etc and it was choppy low down and felt like it was misfiring. Problem solved!!

[@navyxa2599]

THANK YOU!!!! I REALLY appreciate the time you took! My R53 is off tap now! Greetings an thanking you from Australia..

[@Apemopar]

Looking forward to seeing her hopping soon! 'The Mini gets the Nini'. 👍

[@hogg1177]

Searching for another issue relating to battery draining but watched this and thought "huh mine does yoyo a bit like that.." so I go have a look and sure enough its disconnected! Not had a drive since but hopefully theres an improvement! Cheers mate great video!

[@wakkukakktus413]

me, exactly the same now ... :D

[@alexroe2963]

you are a legend, mine was running like shi* had a look fixed it extra 50 horses its a different car, thank you so much

[@MK_ultra_]

Yooooooo, I happened to see your vid randomly and checked the hose on my R53... it was off too! On mine, the bigger connector piece had come away from the manifold. I got it back on and put a cable tie on it. I haven't been for a spin yet, just finishing a service... but thank you, I would never have spotted that!

[@MK_ultra_]

Update: She goes much better!

[@alanwillsher791]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 been bugging me for months why no power until 3-4000rpm my hose completely off.. thanking you sir😀

[@owenlougher6754]

Absolute legend. Literally had the same problem, just found mine disconnected unfortunately it snapped as I was trying to pull it through to reconnect so I'll order a new one. Thanks for the solution!

[@jakejones8854]

Apologies for replying to an older comment, hopefully you'll see this. Any chance you remember what part this is? I'm finding anything from fuel regulator pipe to vacuum pipe. I'd like to replace mine too so it doesn't come off again but having trouble narrowing down the part.

[@stevewalker9888]

Gonna go have a look now. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@StanGuru]

Thanks for posting this solution, my car wasn't bad it would just zz zz zz on 75% throttle which made it feel weird. The connection was fine it was the nipple itself for me which wasn't pushed all the way in. Took it out for a spin the problem is gone and supercharger sounds better, the thottle feels better. Nice one!

[@kenacycle]

I found it very helpful. Thank you mate

[@MBNProducer]

bro, i thank you so much

[@clanapen1420]

Fixed my problem too. After changing the bypass valve. Thank you!

[@andyt31uk]

THANK YOU! Just found mine was disconnected as well. I was getting yoyoing. I had the SC refurbed last year so I am guessing it was either not reconnected or it has popped off.

[@d.t.m.]

Just checked mine after watching this and there it was, disconnected. Reconnected, went for a blast and it’s perfect again!

[@ewanbradbury4039]

I don’t understand where it need to connect to!

[@suttoncurt]

@@ewanbradbury4039 there is a small aluminum nipple sticking out

[@jakejones8854]

Brilliant! Thank you so much. After research I was almost thinking of changing the throttle body. Took 2 goes to spot it but the little lead was not connected to the tiny pipe. Bit of a fiddle to pop back on but throttle response is back to normal. After so long feels it like a different car. Love to know how to keep it on or why it pops off.

[@panblazer]

Hey Nick, thank you so much for this video! It's crazy I feel new horses in my car! :D I need to know how big is the difference with and without connected the fuel regulator vacuum pipe in HP.

[@hike_hunters]

You are a Godsend!

[@youngstayoung6633]

Just twigged who it is subscribed m8.

[@InstantBennY]

Thanks mate! Just brilliant, almost replaced the drive chain when it was only this loose sensor👍 the difference is night and day on high refs but also with low refs in low speeds corners. The supercharger also popped back to life. Brilliant

[@InstantBennY]

I said sensor, it’s not a sensor, actually it’s a vacuum tube for the fuel regulator. Just thought I mentioned it. Anyway it fixed my problem

[@Antonisdettor]

Saved my Life Man!!!

[@exgtt2061]

Excellent vid thank you very much 👍

[@pm4lv]

Amazing!!!! Car is fixed!!!

[@santanikx9]

did you guys had a check engine light on? im having same issue, mine doesnt seem cut or corroded, since its -20 celcius the car seems very slow on acceleration until i hit 4k rpm where the supercharge builds up his full boost. Any idea?

[@robertcollins7034]

My .mini is whistling acceleration , recently replaced sipercharger snoot boots and that restored.power for few months as they werw split , now it whistles on accleration and slighty down on power 😢 will see iff this pipe is on thanks for tip ! ❤

[@ast5515]

I had a gap in power between 2000 and 3000. At first I thought the only possibility was the bypass valve but that was fine. This video was shared in the R53OC group and it turns out my car had the same problem. Thanks for the help.

[@youngstayoung6633]

Off out to check now

[@kendrzymalski28]

I have an 03 Mini Cooper S, I can't locate mine to find if that's the same issue.

[@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE]

update, still havent figured out but car died on this time, swapped fuel filter, pump and still didnt start. only thing i have left is fuel pressure regulator, and it only makes sense because this vacuum line is a continuation of the just alike vacuum line that is mounted right where regulator is by the tank, so in my option, it was the part that these vacuum lines are connected to. anyways go to my channel to see the updates! cheers!

[@gingerbadger]

Great video thanks.

[@mokacat1595]

HEROOOO!! THANKS!

[@ChrisNieves]

Did it affect idle when warm? I started getting idle problems when warm recently on my r53 but driving is fine but when I floor it or choose i get the yoyo

[@waterlover]

did you get a emissions leak on the dash? I been getting a small leak code on my car and have changed literally every little part and it's still on

[@1eroutlawsmotorcycleclubs370]

thank you..............

[@hydemediasourceandcharlest8002]

remove the dual mass flywheel and replace with an aluminum fly and clutchmaster clutch kit. Dual mass fly is very heavy and revs slow, the upside rps stay higher longer between shifts . Along with the mods hes done its another gain in hp for a standard maintenance replacement. Kinda helps sluggish r53s. you can also pull that vacumuum hose and run liquid seafoam to clean the top end. Go Mini

[@liveshanchetty1669]

Hi what will be the problem if your mini cooper runs well but only on a hill it struggles to take off,you have to over rev the engine

[@jeromea1659]

The Suspense was killing me.😂 I have 2 Mini' R53's? '03 Brt.RaceGreen & '04 Chili Red. RED dies erroneously at Full Stops. And is hard to ReStart. Fly by wire. T body ? But now I'm looking for that hose combo 1st. Thanks Mate

[@jeremyocampo1529]

I had the same problem in my R53, it sounded like a boost leak (which it is). I just got a clamp so it won't come out anytime soon.

[@elcorthell]

Hi Nick, thank you soooo much for this video. I have an 09 S doing the same thing. Any tips on finding this on an 09? It does not look the same as yours. Thank you!

[@MarkJohnMorris]

09 reg is a turbo, these are the supercharger versions. Your 09 reg won't have this as yours wont have the supercharger horns.

[@precisiont5188]

Is this only applicable to supercharged vehicles?

[@fazesalv8707]

just wondering mate mine was half out, is it meant to clip back in because mine just slips in without clipping in?

[@KompressorPete]

Great!!!! Thx 😊😊

[@MJB_18]

Hi mate, ive got the same symptoms on my r56 S, would it be the same issue you reckon? Haven’t had a chance to take a good look yet. Cheers

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

I doubt it mate, sorry. Totally different engines - tbh I know very little about the R56 engine, sorry!

[@fletchermusician3365]

I took mine to a garage to have an Air-tec intercooler installed on my way home I noticed the lack of power.. 17% pulley cold air induction but didn't drive the same... after watching this video yesterday i reconnected the fuel regulator pipe and now its a little monster.. if it was done out of spite? I've no idea.. thank you so much for this video bro... Bless

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

Awesome news :) Glad it helped!

[@benvankoningsveld]

Why does the R53 JCW have a vacuum pipe connected to the airbox but the standard Cooper S does not? I know there is a intake flap on the JCW airbox but that seems to be electrically operated.

[@bollockszz]

Thanks Nick...found the same problem on mine....basturd mini.cheers andy.

[@rajukalsi2722]

Car run OK with a 19% pulley? Do u get any heat issues? I have a 17 with airtec IC, getting a manifold, cam, injectors and tune from 1320, also adding davef/orranje airbox, could I go to a 19?

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

I've since dropped down to a 13% for that exact reason. Things do get very very hot. A 15% is as high as I would recommend. You are also spinning the supercharger too fast with anything over 13% pulley. This could cause damage and definitely causes lots of heat.

[@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE]

nope it was all connected, but it is a vacuum leak so gotta try pcv sensor

[@LS-cm9fy]

Hi! What is the brake system on your car? I wanna change stock brakes on my r53 S on bigger ones, but still not decided from which car take them (for r17 wheels)

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

I have tried a few different combinations! R56 Cooper S brakes are the cheapest, and easiest to fit... and perform really well The R56 JCW Brembo brakes are even better again, but expensive! Currently running 330mm Brembo Megane RS brakes, which are enormous - but a lot more involved to fit (you need adaptors, different brake line fittings etc etc) Check out the R56 Cooper S brake conversion for R53 - its the most common, and performs really well for road use

[@arielpena2038]

Wow. Mine was completely disconnected. I connected back, but now I broke another line trying to get that line in.

[@GarthThomson]

I’m heading out to check mine now. I hope you’re right because it’ll reduce the pain of watching your video which could have been 40 seconds long 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DeGraefAutoSpecialty]

...Yep..was exactly what was wrong with my 2006 mini S...Thanks...Burp..

[@blankfocus1521]

How long does it take this guy to get to the part we care about? Lmfao.

[@LeeFall]

No need to be rude. If you don't like the delivery of the information you can always skip through the video... but that takes common sense...

[@TheJservice]

What is that part called? Didn’t catch it

[@DavidBlake-cg9nh]

Is gas supposed to be coming out of that line?

[@monkeytutz2]

I’m on my second R52S and the new one was no where as quick as the old one. I found the same pipe blown off the manifold, but it won’t stay on after a drive so I’m guessing the rubber’s gone soft. Picked a new one up for £20 from the dealer, fingers crossed that sorts it

[@benvankoningsveld]

Got a part number?

[@bassment03]

Bro thanks man just looked for the shit of it completely disconnected

[@johnfryer3149]

Hi. Bit out of date but may get a reply. My 2005 R52 Cooper S. ?? Does it have this same pipe. As tried to look this afternoon but can’t see one 😆😆 probably looking in wrong place. Is the pipe standard on all supercharged copper s engines. Thanks for any replies Cheers John 😃👍😃

[@ast5515]

And I'm ridiculously late with my reply, but yes. The R52S will have it as well. But easier to spot and reconnect with the intercooler off, but it's not necessary.

[@davidyoung9094]

Thanks that is brilliant I thought I had done my supercharger in but thanks to you I have my full 300hp back brilliant

[@bryan8638]

This happened on mine too! The other end rubber also disintegrated and leaked. I repaced the whole length with a piece of rubber hose, added zip ties too so I don't have to dig in there again!

[@christopherbaylon4414]

What size of rubber hose did you use

[@tiinorivera7606]

About to check this ill be back if its the same issue. I done changed fuel pump and filter. All 4 Injectors . 😅😮‍💨🤣 i love to learn tho i dnt mind getting into it

[@DinaSupremacy]

anyone had luck finding this on their 2005 cooper s? can’t seem to find it on mine :( found a similar looking cable though but the connector(?) was totally different, the cable was plugged in still.

[@bartoszzarychta9632]

Hi mate! Coud you tell me what kind and what size of rims are those?

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

They are BBS RC 17" wheels on the grey car and Team Dynamics Imola 17" on the blue

[@femmefataleracer]

did this hose emit a sound, like a strong leak??? i can hear something loud from under my inter cooler, i hope thats it...thanx for posting!!!

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

I think you're probably hearing the fuel pressure regulator (little black cylindrical looking thing with 2 pipes going to it) - this can make a hissing / air leak kind of sound. To the left of intercooler just above sc

[@femmefataleracer]

Nick English thank you...about to pull it apart as soon as i get some sunlight. thank you!

[@femmefataleracer]

Nick English quick shake can vid of the sound kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnWcf4ebi95npbc

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

@@femmefataleracer Hiya mate, no that definitely doesn't sound right... Sounds like a vacuum leak? When you apply light revs does it increase? Check: intercooler boots (often arent fitted right and leak!), intercooler itself for any damage/holes. If nothing, spray a bit of water on/around the IC and see if your engine note changes - if yes, there's a leak

[@femmefataleracer]

Nick English so...a small hose came off the pressure reg, i put it back on put everything back together and no issues...double checked all other lines and boots and all good. thank you again...

[@foggyj4474]

Haha my hose and connector’s missing entirely. Anyone know what that part is and where to get it???

[@scottgriffiths3396]

I need to have a looky

[@rcfreak1015]

If I get a 17 percent pulley for my SC will I need to get my car retuned?

[@russjam121]

No not at all. I'm running a 17% pulley and no tune. All I did was better intercooler colder spark plugs and put some new performance HT leads on and now it's a pocket rocket even more than before.

[@nychaze927]

What is the part called anyone ?? 😃😃

[@brentreid599]

2:00

[@jenBaker707]

that's your fuel pressure regulator vacuum line. When they are old, they blow off. Especially after adding boost. Zip Tie the other end also, BECAUSE it will make your car run lean. You don't want that.

[@christopherbaylon4414]

You know the size of that tube?

[@highrob7399]

Isn't that the same place where you tap into for a boost guage?

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

Yeah that's right, you can tap there

[@highrob7399]

@@NickEnglishPhotography1 Ah, so you had a small boost leak going on, yeah...that definitely kills your power. I see this was 2 years ago, how have the cars held up since then? Changed anything since or? -(Just adventured onto your youtube, I didn't realize you were the sprintex accelerator guy lol, that car sounds so good with that supercharger on it)

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

@@highrob7399 Yeah it's a boost leak and more concerning is that the fuel pressure regulator is connected to the other end of this line - so if it pops off you suddenly start running very lean! Not good. I've got an S2000 now, but the Sprintex was a lot of fun, and sounded really great with the GRS Front Mount!

[@highrob7399]

@@NickEnglishPhotography1 Very nice, S2000's getting very popular right now, wide open for mods too. Hit ya with a subscribe, I'll be checking your vids out for sure, appreciate the comments on a 2 year vid, kudos.

[@bennedwards2386]

What does that hose do!?!?

[@pictsidhe6471]

It sends boost to the fuel pressure regulator. In addition to costing boost if off, it will reduce fuel flow. Running with it off is not a good idea.

[@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE]

mate ill go down to my car now and if this fixes it you will be a bloody hero

[@equaliser2265]

Did you find your car, it's been three weeks?

[@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE]

@@equaliser2265 my car actually died on me now, looking in what it can be, not getting spark, changed an fuel filter and pump, gonna change spark plugs and wires tommorow, if not gonna bring it to the shop and will update in the videos

[@thisisapen]

@@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE You didn't give up on this car did you?!

[@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE]

@@thisisapen I didnt no, have been diagnosing and reading it for past 3months, and havent solved the issue. i reckon mine needs a tune now, everything else has been changed, replaced or looked into.

[@bootao009]

@@THEPRINCEKONSTANTINE 3months now... you good???

[@loosegoose8158]

That's a boost line there

[@alexandrosvangelis3635]

Another r53 saved...

[@antonioromito3891]

Man you are a life saver! give me your Paypal account and I'll charge it for a beer!

[@maccmike8]

Where does the other end go?

[@kenacycle]

To the Fuel Pressure Regulator

[@karlos72]

I basically owe you a new car

[@hgrimmett]

Damn, mine's fine, I could have done with another 50-60hp...

[@pictsidhe6471]

Buy a new pipe, the rubber bit loses its grip after a few years and will be prone to popping off. Have plenty of expletives ready for when you fit the new one.

[@owenlougher6754]

What's the pipe called?? I'm useless with cars 😂

[@jakejones8854]

Did you find out? Trying to find the part too.

[@pictsidhe6471]

@@owenlougher6754 uh, this was 2 years ago! Uhh, 'the pipe between the intake manifold and the fuel pressure regulator.' Your mini parts dude should be able to go from there.

[@owenlougher6754]

@@pictsidhe6471 I found it and replaced 😂, the old one broke in two when I tried to push it back in so ordered a new one 👍. Cheers

[@minimanadam]

A smoke test could have found that rite away

[@DrewPWebos]

50 to 60hp? 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@alfredvalrie5541]

2:19 to get to the point

[@RedPillDosage]

Omg! Hurry up! Get to the point!