How to Replace Head Gasket & Timing Chain - 2007-2013 R56 MINI Cooper non-S Part 1 

“Lost its coolant and driver didn’t notice temperature rising” well in all fairness, standard R56s don’t have a temp gauge

This is one of the most detailed videos with common sense advice I have ever seen on RU-vid. Well done.

Thanks for doing this. Nice editing, very fast and concise. Down to business. Appreciate it

You in 23:03 heads coming off... me in 23:03 managed to get the bonnet open, lost my 10mm, loosing blood from various cuts on my hands trying to get the bonnet open, said more naught words than an 18 rated film, given up and gone back indoors!

You are awesome! This video helped me and my neighbor replace my head gasket on my 2009 Mini Cooper Base Convertible 6 speed manual tranny. Fortunately, it was just the head gasket that was bad and not the head itself. We also replaced the timing chain kit and water pump even though the car only has 50k miles on it. Also took care of the oil gaskets that were prone to leaking thanks to your heads up. One comment I will make is that the locking pin for the flywheel on the manual transmission is very tricky to engage properly. We initially thought we had it locked but turns out the pin can hit what I believe are the bolts holding the flywheel on giving you a false indication that it’s locked in place. We decided to put a straw in each cylinder and turn the engine until all were of even height across the 4 cylinders. This got the flywheel close enough to find the locking hole without falling on a mounting bolt. Thanks again!

Thanks for coming back, I mentioned looking at an 08 S clubman with a cylinder 3 misfire, deal went South, going to look another 08 non S clubman tomorrow. The non S looks a little nicer to work on without the turbo in the way. This video came out just in time, not worried to much now about doing the timing chain and head removal. Thanks

Glad you're back making repair videos again. They're some of the best I've ever come across. So much so it helped convince me to get an R53 because some of the the big jobs that'd have scared me off otherwise I have the confidence to take them on with your videos.

Thanks very much for the detailed video, I'm just changing a failed head gasket on my daughters 1.4 PSA Mini R56 and this video has made it a lot easier. Subbed.

Just bought a 2009 mini with this job as the reason for buying it. This video is helping me save tons of time figuring out how this thing comes apart. Thank you so much for this info. My Mini is a cooper S R57 so some things are a bit different but similar enough I can figure the rest out myself. You can use a 27mm socket for the tensioner but your a bit limited on space so use your most shallow socket set up. I'll update any more difference to be aware of for the Turbo model as I come across them. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I think I've given it 30+ views just taking notes. Edit: Yeah the NA version is much more simple. I had problems with the one exhaust bolt on top behind the turbo. I ended up using a 1/4 socket with a harbor freight wrench style ratchet. The hard to reach nut under the exhaust I used 3/8 13mm socket with universal joint and 6" extension. Fuel rail on turbo is underneath the intake manifold. Making darn near imposable to disconnect or remove.

Great video, saved me a lot of figuring out. Since my headlight bolts went south i started without service mode. This worked well (enough space to pull exh manifold) and saved a lot of work. Only thing is you cant replace exh gasket. In my experience this type of gasket can be reused without problems. Here it also worked. Thx again

This video is terrific. It is nice to watch an expert at work.

Hi just want to say thanks for this video. Really helped me a lot today. 👍🏽👍🏽

Nice video and great effort to edit it down to all the important parts. 👍

I dont even own a r56 #r53masterrace but enjoy watching your vids

Great video. Heavy work. You make it look easy. Do want to learn, but afraid when it comes to that heavy work. Tnks for the video.🤖👍

Thanks. You are giving me a courage to work on the timing belt myself.

You give quality instructions thank you

I replace the head gasket, timing chain and cylinder head on a 2010 MINI Cooper Clubman non-Turbo, N12/N16 engine. Generally same procedure for Turbo cars, just a few more bits to remove. Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK Gen 2 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2A6rygv Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: ru-vid.com

ok watched your videos 5 times! I am going in wish me luck!

Master at work haha

Brilliant video thank you

Awesome video. Thank you very much.

Thanks for a great video, a friend asked if i could replace the head gasket on her mini, even with your excellent video i'll be saying no, too much for me

You made my day

I just picked up a 2007 MCS and confirmed it's probably has a blown head gasket. I was going to replace the thermostat/cross over tube and found oil in the coolant when I drained the system. Planning on taking my time but will do this myself. I have two other Mini's...a Gen 1 base and a Gen 1 MCS both 2006 so I'm already familiar with Mini's but realize this is a completely different setup with the N14 engine. Always enjoy your videos!

I want this guy to work on my car!

Genial video 📹 Mod MINI

Enjoyable video. It's convinced me, however, I'll never want an R56 or BMW.

Great video

You’re amazing

Great Video. It gives me confidence if(When) my 2013 R55 ever needs it done. Question: What is the lift system you are using? It looks very neat.

Thanks

Excellent guidance. From it I was able to successfully do the same. After 10k miles of trouble free operation, am now getting misfire on

Hi !! very good video. I have a copper s and I would like to change chain and turbo !! where do you have your workshop !! you are very professional in your work !!

Hello, thanks for the video I thoroughly enjoyed it. One question, do you buy the timing chain set on Amazon too? I'm not sure weather i should buy through Amazon ($65) or a pro shop ($250) whats your say? Thanks!

Dear Mod MINI - thank you for continuing to share your knowledge. Having now owned, driven and done job on both R53s and R56s, which generation would you say is the most fun to drive, which has the best build quality and easiest to work on? Regards from Norway.

I’m in Pennsylvania is their any place you would recommend to order a complete cylinder head im thankfull for your videos It’s the last option I have if you could share some info it would help

Thank you for this awesome video. I'm new to minis and this was a huge help! I bought the timing kit in the description and the flywheel pin will not go in no matter what i do. Any advice?

Is there 2 spots to lock the flywheel in place? If so should the #1 cylinder be on the up stroke or does it matter?

I have 2011 clubman 3door turbo 1600 I bought a timing chain kit. The top guard in the head that comes with it rubs agains the top of the chain between the 2 sprockets ex and intake. I put washers under feet of bracket. it clears now.. That says the chain is too thick or guard too low? . next issue is the dip stick is hitting something on the way in about 1/2 way.. Next to the timing chain. ??

I got to exactly the last stage on this video @Mod Mini and when I went to remove the camshaft locking tool to get to the last 2 head bolts, the exhaust camshaft jumped and span towards me a little bit. Is this bad? What can I do?

Thanks any ideas timing chain and head gasket link I have one tomorrow open it

How much different will the Mini Cooper sport turbo be? I’m just starting on it.

Good video and professional works,thanks

What camera do you use to get this view? Glasses with camera or GoPro?

Not sure if you can help me. 2007 mini cooper s. Cold start and rough idle issues. Ive changed both fuel pumps, filter, ignition coils, and plugs. Any comments or advice would be awsome. I've learned alot from your videos. Thank you. They are very helpful.

Hi @mod mini awesome video. Im struggling get the bottom bolt off the intake manifold any tips

Hello there. I have a 2014 cooper turbo that I’m replacing the head gasket.and when torque the head bolts down they keep creaking before I Even finish the first pass. I Lubricated the bolts and but still no luck. Any ideas? U made it look so easy in ur video

Nice video man :) what kind of cordless drills do you use?

GOOD THING car did not catch on fire with all the fuel spilled, since that ratchet produces spark, i seen a co worker clean his impact driver with brake kleen as soon as he hit the trigger right after cleaning it, tool caught on fire

OMG, is that gasoline on the intake manifold? I just ordered the same Milwaukee tool you are using, and would never have the guts to run it in /over gasoline like that! (my fear of flaming death...). Thanks for awesome vids! Started with the Alternator, but now doing the timing chain at the same time...Also, I'm a huge Raiders fan, so loved the mini in the alternator video!

What kind of that blue car jack are you using here?

Hi, this has been an awesome video helping me immensely. I have one question I cant seem to get the fuel rail off. Everything else came off like you said but the fuel rail. Do you have any tricks or something I might be missing? The fuel rail is plastic and I'm super worried about breaking it. If you had any pointers thanks

Do you have any tips on how to fix a glove box that won’t close ? I have a R52.

Wondering on you thoughts on this... I picked up a 2008 Mini S with R56 and the previous owner said it needed a valve job (it wouldn't start because of low compression). I did a leak down test and it indicated that the exhaust side was not holding pressure. I pulled the valve cover off and found that the timing tool would not align, and the tensioner seemed bad (when I turned crank by hand I could see the tension on chain loosen). Maybe skipped a tooth?? Also, when I pulled the timing chain casset out, the plastic was broke apart. I am going to pull the head off today hopefully. If I have a bent valve, can I replace the valves, tensioner, and timing chain an be OK or is there anything else I need to look at? Thanks. Love you videos BTW!

Great video! Do you drain the oil before doing this or does it not matter? Thanks

Just getting ready to do a head gasket on an 07 MCS with N14. Quick question...from what I can tell there is only one locking pin slot on the flywheel. is that correct?

Great video. I'm about to tackle my son's R55 Clubman head gasket. Is it possible to do the job without service mode. I don't think so but thought I would ask. Thanks in advance!!

I have a 2010 clubman non turbo. I watched your video but am having a tough time finding the correct camshaft locking tools. any ideas?

I would lock the cams and crankshaft at rhe same time. They could spin around with the pressure of the valve Springs. Dont ask me how i know

Hey man I’ve got a r60 2011 but far out I can’t find the torque specs for the head cylinder bolts anywhere I’m losing my mind please help

I am trying to replace the timing chain on a 2010 Cooper (90kw non-turbo). Do I need to lock the flywheel with a pin? I started to watch a video for a different version of the engine and it showed this being done. However, I cannot see where the pin would go. I should appreciate any guidance.

With the timing tool on with both cams squared left top and right locked right with the timing tool but the exhaust valves on cylinder 1 is open. Does this mean it's in time? The head is on the bench.

So, I am to the point where I have to use the jack to lift my engine up. Am I correct in thinking you jacked it up under the oil pan? I didn't think that was safe, but it looks like that is where you did it. Can you confirm that. I'm hoping after 3 weekends I'll finally get the head out.

"Okay we'll take this crank pulley off with the 18mm" "Now just remove that" vs any crank pulley I've done ever - right 2m breaker bar, 10ft cheater bar, and the thing still doesnt come out 😂😂

as ever FAB instruction even at speed.......

Im wondering if you could leave the bottom chain sprocket in and chain guides and just pass the chain through the head - same way you would on a R50??? Starting the job tomorrow

Did you dip the head bolt in oil before you put them in and torque them down? Also what oil and antifreeze did you use

Hey!!!! Mod Mini GRRRRREAT Presentation !!!! I was Wondering Time Wise. How much time Approx Does it Take to do all the work to remove the Head. I heard Its Approx 9 Hrs to remove the Head, Cause you have to take Half the car apart LOL. So I figure 9 hrs to remove and then get the head sent out to get resurfaced Because its probably Warped In my case.Then 9 hrs to re-assemble Can you please Verify the Time for me so I can see How much It will Cost me to do it PLEASE.... Thanks....Stash Murawski

Have you ever messed with the valvetronic components on the minis that have them? I have a bad valve seal or two and of course my mini s has the n18 and all the fun valvetronic parts. I bought the specialty tools to remove the intermediate levers of the valvetronic system but I have done the job yet and was wondering if you have ever messed with those components? I'm going to replace just the valve seals first and if it doesnt fix my smoking issue at idle them I guess I'll just have to pull the head and send it in to get a full service.

Ok I found out why my mini is miss firing The exhaust valves on cylinder 4 Are not activating due to the lifters not properly seated on the springs and the camshaft is not contacting the lifters And giving me a miss fire Please if you can get back to me i could use help on what to do next if at all possible

Hi, great video. How many hour of labor does this take? How much does this job cost a a shop? Thanks.

What’s your milwaukee ratchet like? I’m Thinking off getting one

I have a 2010 mini clubman s and it has been showing white smoke and been loosening coolant.Would a head gasket be necessary? I really dont know if it needs one or not, or is there any other options to try first.

Had my 2008 mini cooper engine rebuild an we installed it its it runs rough am has several code. P0301 p113b pp0100 it runs worse now that engine was rebuild only codes I had before rebuild all four cylinders were miss firing oil in cylinders any help would appreciate.

I just replaced the timing chain and got my daughter's 2008 mini cooper base running like a top. She lost her heat inside the car and the overflow bottle top was loose and it lost coolant and she didn't know it. The head gasket is blown now. Do you think the head would be ok? The car shut down immediately when it happened.

Do you work on minis full time or just have a lot of friends that own them?

Your repair videos are great. Is there any way I could email you?

Time stamps would be so helpful

Where do you get your replacement cylinder heads from?

It’s insane how many different socket and torx screws are used. I was working on a Toyota and almost 95% of the bolts were 10 an 12mm. You’re not constantly changing the sockets.

Is the JCW model the same process as the base? I have a 2009. JCW.

Will this disassemble work on a R60 n18 turbo?

Good fucken video wow thanks for all urs hard work..

Is it the same steps for the turbo model?

Where about is your workshop?

so the camshafts don't have to be locked in place to remove the head ?

Is the Mini Cooper s similar or what’s different if you happen to know

What would i do differently if i am just changing the head gasket?

9:45 are you sure this is the mass air flow sensor ??

how much to replace my 09 Mini Cooper gasket

Dnd va esa válvula en el 2010 naturalmente aspirado

Do you need to remove all this stuff if you just have to replace the head gasket?

What does something like this cost in a shop ?

where are you located?

How different is this process for the S variant?

You can't tell a head gasket is blowed . unless the oil looks milky, water running out of exaust, or a cylinder test. Is this correct

Do you have to re-torque the head gasket again?

How many hours does this take?

Did you actually leave all that fuel sitting on the intake and then run your brushed power tools right next to it? That’s just asking for a garage fire...