How to Replace Head Gasket & Timing Chain - 2007-2013 R56 MINI Cooper non-S Part 2 

Man, I’m a tech, was looking for a video to show someone how to do this without actually being there. You make EXCELLENT VIDEOS. If anyone else asks me for help on minis again, I’m sending them to your channel first. Thanks man.

Just want to say your videos are the best on RU-vid period, you cover every detail to the tee without excessive unnecessary talking, expert knowledge, expert editing and most of all No annoying music that everybody hates at the opening of the video or during the video. I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into making the ultimate RU-vid videos.

I really like the silicone spray trick... I used to use silicone seal but only on the male parts.... made it much easier to install AND remove when the time came...although you would think the opposite... guess it never bonds that well to metals/plastics... going to use the spray from now on... lots cleaner.. !!! thanks

Nice follow up from part 1. Battery tools are the way forward. My air tools are gathering dust. 👍

At the 1:15 mark you can clearly see that 2 of the pistons are at top dead center, yet you have the flywheel locking tool in place? How can this be?

Diagnose and replace head gasket, timing chain and cylinder head on a 2010 MINI Cooper Clubman non-Turbo, N12/N16 engine.Resetting engine adaptations with diagnostic tool might be covered in a later Part 3 video. Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK Gen 2 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2A6rygv If you still have codes, replace VANOS solenoid(s)? (2 for N12, N16, N18, 1 for N14). amzn.to/2S7Jrp7 This scanner is the cheapest that can reset adaptations on some/most MINIs. amzn.to/2FRsnOt This one will definitely work. amzn.to/2SdDjeX Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: ru-vid.com #modmini #modminiRU-vidSee all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: ru-vid.com

Great video, nice and detailed, I'll be coming back here if I need to change a head gasket on a mini.

Now This is how to make a 10/10 video!

First of all; thanks for all your excellent videos. They are the best! My question regarding this video: why are you nit using the timing chain pre-tensioner tool that comes with the alignment tool kit? Any particular reason for that?

Dude you know ur stuff. Good vid!

That’s aloooooooot of work and without having the software basically impossible yeah I think I’ll pass on a good priced mini with a blown head gasket!!!

great videos, but really at the end of the head replacement you have the same problem as before, one cylinder misfires. you change spark plugs and the problem is solved. Question is, why not do a more thorough diagnostic on the misfire prior to doing all this work. I'm glad you did it for our benefit, but possibly could have been solved with a spark plug change.

That’s some professional work done!

did u have the head shaved

Just a heads up they sell little plastic inserts with magnets that you can put in all of your sockets . No more paper 🙂

Nice Video! One question, when tightening the lower crankshaft screw do you just use the crankshaft pin to hold against it without any further locking? I'm a bit scared of shearing off the pin..

This and part 1 are perfect for my current project car (I'm in the processes of diagnosing an issue on my mini cooper 2011, non-turbo, and i need to see if the stat of the head since coolant is in the sump and engine oil is everywhere around the engine). I was wondering if you ended up replacing any of the bolts/screws when putting everything back together. I've seen recommendations suggesting that bolts/screws into the engine block should be replaced before putting everything back together.

Hello, so for camshaft pulleys no particular markings? just reassemble the parts like your video? Nice work 🔥

Hi I noticed that your two center pistons are all the way up when removed my head all the cylinders wear at the same hight should I be concerned about that

Hi, Thank you for the detailed video. I followed your instructions and replaced head gasket and time chain. I also ground the valve seats. After installing everything back the car starts and sounds good. The problem is that now we have check engine sign. Also, as soon as I put the key in, the windshield wipers work. When scanning with Creator C310+, I get the following errors: SGM-ZGM EPS ABS SRS TCM CAS SHD IC FRM AC CD CD-GW ECM I drove the car 200 meters with no problem (other than the windshield wipers). I erased the codes but they keep coming back. What should I do to get red of these codes. Thanks

you degree bolts by hand ? and use old thermostat seal ?

How do I correct the engine timing since my chain skipped? I've seen others align the pistons halfway up with the camshafts locked into place. Those were n14 engines. So do all pistons have to be at an even height? Thanks

If you don't reset the adaptations, will the car not start?

I have 08 base clubman as well with misfire and very low compression on 1 cyl. I noticed u just placed head and gasket. In your video u didn’t confirm which was the problem. I dont have a new replacement head so wondering if head gasket the more likely problem. Did u ever take i second look at head to see if it was cracked? Thanks.. btw great video

Hello I followed your instructions and did the timing with the special tool, put back everything the way it was before . My engine cranks , but it doesn’t run .

Could you make a video on how to reassemble an R56 base model cylinder head?

Sir am overhauling the mini Cooper R56 2007, I don't have the timing tool which precede to follow In order to set the timing ,please help me

Have you ever rebuilt supercharger on 2005 R53?

Very very professional

@Mod MINI how much, roughly, would you say this would cost to have done by an independent mini specialist? I have an 09 r56 cooper s, that has a blown cylinder apparently.

Hi, great vid, I am curious about one thing. When the timing tools are locked in place in this engine, should not all 4 cylinders be at the same level in mid position? but when you put the new head gasket on they aren't? hope you can answer, many thanks.

Thanks a lot for your awsome videos. You saved me a lot of time!! I'm doing this same job right now and I'm having an issue. I rotated the pistons while the cylinder head was removed !! Don't ask me why... Is there a way to find the good position for the pistons (TDC) (I do have the locking tool)? Please help me!

Other than the head bolts.... I was Just curious if you reuse any of the Torque to yield hardware bolts (crank bolt, cams, etc). Also... what are your feelings about using ARP head bolts? Thank you in advance for your input!!!

Hi, Great clip. I have a 2010 R56 non turbo and it has a very loud groaning noise coming from the engine, front i think, if it was another car, Suby, you would say it had noise power steering, car runs and performs perfectly, any ideas?. i wonder if the noise is an oil cavitation noise?

Is the adaptation reset always necessary and will it cause the mini not to start after the job? Just got done putting the car back together after getting the head machined and replacing the timing chain and it’s just cranking no start. Thanks

I did the timing chain on my R60 and did not start after that.

Great vid

Unfortunately I'm here to see what I'm up against... Customer has a cylinder 4 misfire... Doing a Leakdown test now, as if that'll change the fact it has low compression😂. I'm hoping there's carbon buildup [direct injection] and not a crack valve! Labor guide stating 20hr and another 14hr for a head gasket! Stupid thing if you do these jobs now days, you have to buy special tools for the that vehicle! Ask if how often I have to use them after the job😂 I hit the thumbs up, thanks for nothing! I still have to fix this car😂 have a good one! Thanks again

What was the total time on this job if you don’t mind?

I just recently got a mini and I have to do timing chain and tensioner do i have to replace bolt or can I get just a kit with tensioner, sprocket, chain, and cassette ?

Greetings. Do you know maybe if it is posible to do skimming of the cylinder head for this engine? In service manual it states that it isn't posible.

I did the whole job. When I got done, the starter wouldnt crank. J must have forgotten to connect a cable. Any hints?

Great job!!!

How do I line the cams up??? My 2009 Mini Cooper clubman N12 is out of time, i believe I didn’t set my cams right.

on my 08 n12 mini do all the piston need to be haft way up the cylinder when i install the lock pin

Would I have a problem using a 90mm head gasket on a machined head?

Hi bud is there any special way to put the springs on the intake cam back on without buying the special took, under some pressure them beggers

How much would a job like this usually come out to $$$?

Like a boss...

My name is 🥳🥳🥳

I pinned my motor and the pistons were all down

Thank you Mod MINI, I just finished my 2011 Countrymen. I had a miss fire and thought it was the head gasket. Ended up that it was a burned valve. Watched your video step by step. It runs like new.

I was just given a free 2007 mini cooper S that the owner says he failed to take care of the timing chain maintenance so this video is in my future. All of this work I can do myself and I was amazed about how deep ya gotta dig into the car to just get the head off...but that's fine. It was all doable for me UNTIL the end where it was said there needed to be a computer reset. I have an OBDII but that's probably not going to do it. I think I can keep my head...probably just a couple bent valves. Not sure why the computer needs to be reset.

Outstanding, having just completed a timing chain replacement without the benefit of having seen this video makes me qualified to say, the tips presented here will save tens of hours vs procedures described in the Bentley manual.

So nice that now they finally learned to set timing not when cylinder 1 is TDC but when all cylinders are at mid height.

I found your 2 videos great to follow when I did the head and chain on my daughters 1.4 N12 mini. Made the job nice and easy for a first play with this type of car. After getting it all back together though the car won't tick over at all but revs semi ok around 1500rpm. Once it gets hot though it won't restart. I followed the link you posted and got a scanner, I opted for the c501. The cods it is showing are 2ee5 dme: map thermostat activation and 2B15 dme: differential pressure intake manifold, plausibility. Is there anything I could have missed for it to be now showing up these codes? Thank you in advance for any comments!!

ModMini is not just a RU-vid channel, it's a phenomenon! Thanks for all your hard work and straight to the point videos!

Just got a lowish mileage 2007 Mini Cooper S (100k) that’s already had the timing chain and water pump done. When it comes time for more work, I know where I’ll come for reference. Great content and very well done videos. Thanks!

You’re a lifesaver man! I was able to successfully do a head gasket job on my 2013 Mini Cooper S i had to do some different things but it was roughly the same as this one! Thank you for making this video

Thanks for posting again. I always learn so much from your videos.

its because of you that i love my mini more every day (have 1 question why the adaptation is not just a regular swap?)

Great video man! What camera and mic are you using? very crisp footage and excellent audio

Hey fantastic video very knowledgeable information on the mini any chance you are near pa I could use some help I fixed the miss fire thanks to the information in your videos now my first drive 4 miles round trip to the gas station and home and I pulled into my drive way and saw steam coming out I popped the hood and water pump was leaking in the same spot as water pump video and the miss fire code came back idle was very weak stalling and a weird drawing sound coming from some were in the engine compartment I bought a water pump all new plugs and coils cylinder four plug very black compared to the other three if you read this I could use your trouble shooting professional input please

Excellent video! Have you ever tackled the valve stem seals & guides on the N12? I'm planning to do the head gasket & figured I might as well knock those out since I'm in there. You're video is a big confidence booster! Thanks again.

I could kiss you for that paper towel trick. It's so simple and would cut out so much frustration!

WooooooooooW super Job I guess you have Done this Before, very educational :-)

Amazing videos, keep them coming 👍.

Thanks!

Hi, Again you saved my life ! 👌Job done following your advices. 🤔Question : How to change the valves stem seals ? Especially the intake valves. Removing the intake camshaft with the VANOS system is a bit hard to understand and there is a poor literature about on the net.

Hi, Following your advices save my life ! 😃 Question: how to change the valve stem seals ? Intake Valve stem seals are difficult to change due to the VANOS system. 🤔

Doing a timing job on a r56 jcw thanks for he video tutorial helped a lot for the specs

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. ??

Nice job any rtv on head gasket before you layed on ?

2:47 Why do you do an additional 90* while using the torque wrench. Wouldn’t the bolt strip? Snap?

Wow such clear instruction and very informative on how not to break things on this process thank you Top Job 💯

excellent work. I saw your video and fix my r56

Nice video. If and when I find a mechanic that can do this for my car. What is the price range in looking at ?

Hi, great video! Is there is any way that I can do a chat or phone consutltation with you about an issue with a mini cooper engine?

isnt this N12 engine? how come you did additional 90 for sprockets instead of 180?

Mod mini, i have an r53 and thinking to track it about 6 times a year. I already have a 15 reduction pulley. What else can i upgrade hp wise, but while keeping stock internals with no risk ????

Where to buy mini cooper s parts

How much would a job like this cost?

Hello sir i enjoy watching this video. Do you have made any video on valve stemp seal replacment ?

What was the torque for the new head bolts?

Great video

thanks for the best video ever smooth clear and friendly explanation especially nice to replied to peoples 2 thumbs up 🤟❤

Where you located?

I have a 07 mini cooper I just got and it started to smoke under the cover to the left far sparkplug right above it there a little box there I took it off and had a orange cap under it and was ripped what is that called.

thank you again ..boy your fast ....glad a can rewind ......again thank you

Great videos. Thank you for taking the time to record these and to share your knowledge. I do have a question; when the exhaust cam shaft is aligned and ready to accept the timing alignment tool (part number facing up and middle flat facing up), are all of the exhaust valves fully closed? I am in a middle of the job (doing head gasket replacement on my son's 2011 mini base, N16) and noticed that in this position, the exhaust valves on cylinder 4 are slightly open. All others are closed. Also, when rotating the exhaust cam shaft, it does not stop in the timing alignment position, it has a tendency to move forward some 15-20 deg. I noticed that in your video, when you moved the exhaust cam shaft and before you installed the alignment tool, it stayed in the proper position without advancing. Thank you in advance.

This is my first venture into a mini. There's a scary amount of things to deal with on this head job as compared to earlier BMW models with which I'm familiar. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I've made a sequential list of each item to be removed along the way before starting on this job. Wish me luck.

Greetings, mate. I have a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman R55 with 150K miles that is experiencing misfires at idle and low pressure warning when car is warm. Upon inspection, there is excessive wear in the cylinder head cam seats. Do you have any recommendations for a reliable, relatively low mileage replacement head as you used in this video? Dealer quoted $4362 for an OEM replacement.

The part that’s left in the car. I don’t know if you call it the bottom head those pistons to call off the flooring at home is that the weather

Great video as always. I don't like these videos where they say they are going to remove something, remove it, but don't explain verbally how they did it. I am looking to purchase the Milwaukee M12, do you suggest 3/8" drive or 1/2"? And some are only 50 Lb torque and others are 200 Lb

I’m replacing a head and it appears I have my crank timing out. Your block shows piston 1-4 down and 2-3 up. Mine are all level half way down the cylinder.

hi everyone I've done the same job in Peugeot 207 it's sam engine but the problem is engine is not running smoothly in ideal and sometimes it's turning off when I stop for traffic light can someone help me out thank you

DoubleCheck Crankshaft Bolt Torque. With my N14 Bentley says 100 Degrees, but that is an Error, it has to be 180 Degrees.

THANK you for being the only video to clarify that the crank locking pin locks all the cylinders in time. I blew up my engine months ago, and was able to salvage the cylinder head. The new short block wasn't in time, and I've been scouring all over the internet to find something to match the time for the cams to the cylinder position.

The crank bolt torque should be 38 ft-lb then 180 degree. I also use the tool instead of the tensioner to take the slack of the chain. The front main seal has a nice tool to install and should not be flush.

Are the base model engines like this interference or non?