R55 1.6 One cutting out, no codes
Discussion
Before I start pulling it apart at the weekend.....My sons 1.6 one is cutting out intermittently at idle with no throttle.
What I know.
it does not throw a CEL or record a fault code
It started after I had the clutch replaced (not done by me)
When it does it, if you manage to catch it with the throttle to stop it cutting out the engine electrics voltage drops to 11-12volts (from 13.5-14volts when running fine) for about 5 seconds. (cause or effect, unsure)
Engine earth strap is good.
Will go over all the loom connections and take out the throttle body to make sure its clean and not coked up to begin with, but it has come on fast and after engine work it makes me think it is not carbon build up on the valves. Any suggestions on where to look
What I know.
it does not throw a CEL or record a fault code
It started after I had the clutch replaced (not done by me)
When it does it, if you manage to catch it with the throttle to stop it cutting out the engine electrics voltage drops to 11-12volts (from 13.5-14volts when running fine) for about 5 seconds. (cause or effect, unsure)
Engine earth strap is good.
Will go over all the loom connections and take out the throttle body to make sure its clean and not coked up to begin with, but it has come on fast and after engine work it makes me think it is not carbon build up on the valves. Any suggestions on where to look
Checked the coil pack? Was it these or the gen1s that were awful (replaced on one of my Minis which had a similar sounding problem but it was years back and can't remember which!).
Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
DaveyBoyWonder said:
Checked the coil pack? Was it these or the gen1s that were awful (replaced on one of my Minis which had a similar sounding problem but it was years back and can't remember which!).
Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
Good shout on coil packs. I had a similar issue on another car it was linked to the ignition coil. Id try that. Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
Pvfc said:
DaveyBoyWonder said:
Checked the coil pack? Was it these or the gen1s that were awful (replaced on one of my Minis which had a similar sounding problem but it was years back and can't remember which!).
Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
Good shout on coil packs. I had a similar issue on another car it was linked to the ignition coil. Id try that. Also, sounds daft but oil level ok? They're a nightmare to read on the gen 2 and our old R55 I remember showing sort of half a reading on the dipstick but it was actually well below the min level which caused it to cut out.
The lead for #2 plug gets corroded at the coil pack, it is quite easy to see if you pull the lead out.
Thanks for the update - had been keeping an eye on this as I have an R56 Mini with the same engine - it was prone to cutting out as per your one. I ended up rebuilding the engine (as in head off, valve lap, new valve stem seals, bore hone, piston rings, camshaft oil seals, plus loads of extra "while I'm there" stuff), upshot was it doesn't cut out any more but does still stutter a bit when coasting to a stop!
No codes were ever logged and no engine management light.
My Vanos solenoids are a cheap make ("Topran"), and had clearly been replaced at some point by a previous owner. If you're buying new ones you might want to get genuine/decent quality replacements (Pierburg are supposed to be as good or better than OEM). I'm still wondering whether replacing mine will get rid of the slight stutter. I don't really want to spend, I think, £200 just to find out though.
No codes were ever logged and no engine management light.
My Vanos solenoids are a cheap make ("Topran"), and had clearly been replaced at some point by a previous owner. If you're buying new ones you might want to get genuine/decent quality replacements (Pierburg are supposed to be as good or better than OEM). I'm still wondering whether replacing mine will get rid of the slight stutter. I don't really want to spend, I think, £200 just to find out though.
Well I have only swapped the erroring exhaust one out as I need to get a new air filter housing due to broken screw bits and would rather to that with the inlet vanos....but....dear me the mini has never run so well!! Much quieter and smoother all round, picks up better too. Wonder how long the exhaust vanos has been out of spec/dying? Annoyed it has taken much faffing to repair the issue, but at least it is sorted now 
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