Oh Boy .... R56 Engine Failure

[ducatithunder]

So .... After posting many times I have had nothing but good things to say about my R56 MCS when others have been having nothing but issues I finally got bit in the arse. Vacuum pump seized the other day while driving home. DOA on the side of the road. Got it home and pulled the valve cover thinking the chain tensioner let go and I saw the carnage. Took the car to mini in annapolis to have them look at it as this could have been a recall issues. Exhaust cam sprocket was ripped off with the bolt still in the cam.:grrr: Mini called yesterday telling me that my 83K mile engine is toast and that a for $8500 they could replace it. So ... looks like Ill have 2 engines being rebuilt in the garage.:roll:

Grabbing the car today and going to pull the head to see if I rolled the lottery and no valve piston damage or Ill be sourcing a new N14 engine from Way Motor Works for $3900 with 2 year unlimited mileage Mini warrenty.

[Jazzbass]

That sucks.

Exhaust cam sprocket was ripped off with the bolt still in the cam.:grrr:

How does that happen? Post pics when you dive into the carnage.

[cmartin]

Sorry to hear about your issue.

mini in annapolis

I didnt have the best experience there, good luck.

[86911TLCAB]

ditto...sorry to hear

[ducatithunder]

Thanks guys. The vaccum pump issue is one of the 3 known issues with the car. Due to how its oiled and the extended service hours the pump bearings go which locks the exhaust cam that it is keyed while the rest of the engine continues to spin until the chain breaks or the cam sprocket rips off thus leading to a paperweight for an engine. They said that only dirty oil is the cause or low oil. Neither of these is one reasons makes sense with the car. The inside is pristine. I mean you could eat off the inside of my engine. No abnormal wear on the cams or anywear I can see thus trumping the dirty oil idea. The oil was changed 5k ago. Im headed back to lean on the service manager again.

[realroadrage]

I had so many issues with my R56 DD..... but god I miss driving it.