11 31 005 Checking camshaft timing (N18)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2014 MINI Cooper Paceman, and 2013 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Modified procedure for timing.
The timing is not determined at firing TDC of cylinder no. 1.
All pistons are in the 90° position.
Check locking of adjuster.
Observe direction of rotation (direction of rotation clockwise when viewed towards timing drive side).
A reverse rotation of the engine is not permitted, test adjustment values will be distorted.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .

IMPORTANT: Check locking on VANOS unit.
Attempt to rotate camshaft in and counter to the direction of rotation at the hexagon head.
The adjustment unit is locked in the initial setting when the camshaft is non-positively connected to the adjustment unit.
The adjustment unit is faulty if no fixed connection to the camshaft is established

Check lock of VANOS unit.

Use an open-end spanner (1) to turn the intake camshaft counter to the direction of rotation.

Turn the exhaust camshaft in the direction of rotation.

Installation note:

Maximum power 10 to 15 Nm.

If play of VANOS unit is below 1 degrees, the adjuster is OK.

Fig 1: Turning Intake Camshaft Using Open-End Spanner

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If no fixed connection to the camshaft is established, the VANOS unit is faulty and must be replaced.

Illustration N14.

Partially release positive battery cable.

Release CHAIN TENSIONER (1).

Tightening torque: 11 31 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Have a cleaning cloth ready. A small quantity of engine oil will escape after the screw connection has been released.
Make sure no oil runs onto the belt drive.

Fig 2: Identifying Chain Tensioner

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Installation note:

A new sealing ring must be installed by service personnel when the chain tensioner is fitted.

Screw special tool 11 9 340 into the cylinder head.

Pre-tension timing chain with special tool 00 9 460 to 0.6 Nm.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

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IMPORTANT: Danger of mixing up dowel hole.
The balance hole and dowel hole can be mixed up; all pistons must be in the 90° position.
If necessary, determine by means of spark plug bore.

Fig 4: Locking Flywheel With Special Tool (11 9 590)

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Rotate crankshaft at central bolt.

Position crankshaft with special tool 11 9 590 .

Do not remove special tool 11 9 590 during repair work.

Both camshafts are in the correct installation position when the designation (IN) for intake camshaft points upwards.

In the case of the exhaust camshaft, the designation (EX) must point upwards.

Fig 5: Identifying Designations For Intake Camshaft (IN) And Exhaust Camshaft (EX)

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Position of inlet camshaft (E) points at an angle to the left in an upper outward direction.

Fig 6: Identifying Intake Camshaft Position

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Position of exhaust camshaft (A) points at an angle to the right in an upper outward direction

Fig 7: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Position

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Use special tool 00 9 460 to tension timing chain to 0.6 Nm .

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

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Place (position) special exhaust tool 11 7 440 on mounting flats of exhaust camshaft.

Determine air gap using a feeler gauge (1).

If the measured value on the exhaust camshaft is below 1.6 mm, the timing is OK.

Fig 9: Positioning Special Tool (11 7 440) On Exhaust Camshaft Mounting Flats

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Place (position) special exhaust tool 11 7 440 on mounting flats of exhaust camshaft.

Determine air gap using a feeler gauge (1).

If the measured value on the exhaust camshaft is below 3.0 mm, the timing is OK.

Fig 10: Positioning Special Exhaust Tool (11 7 440) On Exhaust Camshaft Mounting Flats

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IMPORTANT: Do not rotate engine without special tool 11 9 340 or a chain tensioner, the timing chain may skip on the gear of the intake camshaft.

Remove special tool 11 9 340 .

Fig 11: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

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If necessary, adjust VALVE TIMING .