Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise?

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sun 15 Jun 2014 13:37
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - Snakey

SWMBO was looking at a 2006 1.6 Mini One today and I went with her to check it out. It was in lovely condition but with the engine idling I noticed a sort of rumbling noise, not a rattle but it did sound like a 'chain over cogs' noise if you know what I mean! A not too loud rumbling noise as if you were rolling a few ball bearings around in a tin cup!

I'm aware of the 'death rattle' that can afflict some Minis but I've never heard of problems with the lower power 1.6 engine, but surely you shouldn't be able to hear that sort of noise unless theres a problem. It was coming from the right hand side of the engine (looking under the bonnet) which seems to be where the chain would be.

Anyone know of any issues with the base 1.6 model and timing chain wear?

I'll also take the usual response of 'minis are rubbish' 'badge snobbery' etc for granted thanks!

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Sun 15 Jun 2014 17:48
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - elekie&a/c doctor
Orientation for left and right is taken from sitting in the drivers seat facing forward,so right will be the timing chain end and left is clutch gearbox side.what side is the noise?
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Sun 15 Jun 2014 18:49
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - RobJP

If you're concerned about any aspect of a car that's for sale, then just walk away. THere are plenty of others out there.

Of course, if it's a huge bargain, and you don't want to walk away for that reason, then there is only one question to ask : why is it so cheap ? The answer is 'because it's got problems'

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Sun 15 Jun 2014 20:42
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - Snakey

If you're concerned about any aspect of a car that's for sale, then just walk away. THere are plenty of others out there.

Of course, if it's a huge bargain, and you don't want to walk away for that reason, then there is only one question to ask : why is it so cheap ? The answer is 'because it's got problems'

It wasn't suspiciously cheap, with it being a convertible theres not that many around here at that age/spec/price band.

'Regular' minis are common enough though!

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Sun 15 Jun 2014 20:40
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - Snakey
Orientation for left and right is taken from sitting in the drivers seat facing forward,so right will be the timing chain end and left is clutch gearbox side.what side is the noise?

From the drivers seats it would have been to the left side of the engine - but when I looked at the engine I couldn't see anything like belt/chain covers on the right side of the engine?

The noise also increased with engine speed - if not the timing chain I wonder what else it could be?

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Mon 16 Jun 2014 08:47
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - The-Mechanic

So the noise is from the nearside ( passengers ) side of the engine yes ?

It could be the clutch release bearing getting noisy or worst case scenario, the gearbox input shaft bearings worn ?

There is some confusion as to whether the Mini one is fitted with a dual mass flywheel. If this one does have a DMF that's worn, that's another possible cause of the noise you describe.

Either way, if the noise is coming from that area there's a good chance it'll need the gearbox removing some time in the near future for a clutch/flywheel fitting or, in the extreme case, a gearbox rebuild.

If you can negotiate a generous discount in light of the possible impending failiure and are willing to spend upto a grand ( or more if it needs a 'box ), then go for it ! If not, walk away and keep looking.

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Mon 16 Jun 2014 14:05
Mini 2006 1.6 - Timing chain noise? - Snakey

Yes - its that side of the engine - I didn't check whether the noise changed with the clutch pedal up or down though!

I guess its like you say, walk away as there will be another one similar at some time. Shame as it was pretty good apart from that!

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