Hi All.

I have a slight rattel from Gretel's engine, the side associated with the timing chain tensioner, so I thought I would check the oil level. Good job I did, shes been stood for a week and there is nothing registering on the dip stick at all.

So I need to top up the oil at least and then get it booked in for a full oil change and a timing chain tensioner change as a precaution.

What do people recommend for a modified, fast road use, 2004 MCS?

Can get to Halfrauds tomorrow.

SPS.

I used to use Castrol Edge 5W30 in my R53 JCW.

Did a bulk buy when it was on offer on Amazon and still have some left.

Depends when you are planning on the oil change. If very soon you might be saving a bit with something cheaper that still meet the spec as Castrol Edge isn’t cheap to only throw it away in a few days.

Strangely like Neil I brought a 4lt can of Castrol Edge 0W-30 as some are known to use oil and never needed any

Any merit going for thicker stuff.

Read some forums saying 5/40 or even 10/40 is good as mileage increases.

Give Will at TWG (club sponsor) a call tomorrow he will give you a straight answer.

Massive big up for Will, good 15min chat while outside Halfrauds.

His recommendation was 5/40 and they all leak a little and have a little drinking habit.

If they don't leave any little deposits when parked, then the leaks are not an issue.

So, I'll give her a good top up and test drive tomorrow and see if the rattling stops.


He also said that on the R53 engine, the timing chain tensioner change is not as simple as the R56 is. The head needs to come off to be able set the adjuster correctly. So when the head is off the seal/gaskets can get done as well as the seals on the intercooler.

Thanks Will, if only I was close enough to use you - hummm, maybe worth it.

SPS.

I don't know how far you are but I'd say worth it for honest and good service..

I travelled from Wiltshire to go to Will
It’s worth it he’s honest and hard working

J0RDAN wrote:

I travelled from Wiltshire to go to Will
It’s worth it he’s  honest and hard working

Take the MINIs to Will every time

So,she glugged down 1.5 litres of oil, and we have a little leak, but nothing major that I can see, level stay pretty constant.

Also found the source of the rattle, not timing chain or tensioner.

Its was the pulley tensioner damper, which was only held on with a single nut, bouncing around on one of the pulleys.

Ordering a bunch of service stuff from Lohen tomorrow for a local perfomance mechanic to fit next week.

I'll start a new thread.