Step by step replacement of head gasket (& remove/install camshaft) on a 1st Gen MINI Cooper S. Get the parts and tools here: Head gasket: amzn.to/1jimU3Q Bolt set: amzn.to/1jimUkm Valve cover gasket: amzn.to/1Lp0qbO Chain tensioner: amzn.to/1jimWbX Thermostat & gasket: amzn.to/1jimXgf Intake/exhaust manifold gaskets are reusable. Bolt extractor set: amzn.to/1R5iMP4 Timing chain special tool: amzn.to/1jin6QQ 3/8 wobble extension: amzn.to/1PnCMyd 1/4 deep drive socket set incl. 8mm: amzn.to/1ZqyIBv 1/4 wobble extension: amzn.to/1Lp0Hvi Hose clamp pliers: amzn.to/1jinaQv Process will be similar on a naturally aspirated MINI Cooper - just little different for intake manifold and airbox. Want to show your support for MOD Mini? Virtual tip jar at www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar

@riceski

5 жыл бұрын

What would be a friendly price to do this job?

@VMCJR0NE

5 жыл бұрын

I have a 2006 mini cooper S I have replaced the automatic transmission fluid many times already and frustrated with the same siptom. Once the car is at the operating temperature for a while it starts to shift orrible, not smooth shifting and from 3rd to 4th at times it spins and does not shift until I let go of the gas , but when the car is cool at the beginning it works so smooth and works like new. Anyone knows what to do to correct the problem. I am very frustrated. Thank you. Email me at vmcuellar@hotmail.com

@hopeogle2041

4 жыл бұрын

Hi! I’m trying to get some of the parts for my dad for Christmas to fix his MINI. Will all of these parts need purchased to do this job? He’s got a 2003 with the same issue. Like for instance, you have bolts listed, so are the bolts he will remove not reusable? Thanks in advance!

@marxtr6

4 жыл бұрын

Hope Ogle every time you remove the head you should replace the bolts, they tend to stretch when torquing them down.

@brettashworth3499

Жыл бұрын

Mod mini, I have a 2005 Cooper S. Do I have to remove the rocker assemblies? It looks like I have access to the head bolts without removing the rocker assemblies.

Thank the fucking high heavens for ModMini. This man has saved me THOUSANDS of dollars, inspired me to start working at a mechanic shop, and has turned me into practically a mini mechanic. Shout out to this man.

This is probably one of the best instructional videos I've ever watched. Perfect combination of to-the-point and details. Big thumbs up, thanks!

@murdock6450

3 жыл бұрын

new amount of respect for mechanics this guy is the man

THANK YOU!!! This is a very timely video! My '05 R53 overheated this weekend, and I anticipate needing to perform this repair. Thank you for sharing your experience!

This literally walked me through a seamless head gasket repair. These videos are so great. Detail and timely.

@broderickweaver5236

2 ай бұрын

Did you get the head machined? I'm curious if it's required?

Your a legend. I have a r53 with a lot of problems which I now feel with your videos I can sort out and I’m a brick layer not really my game. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

great video probably the best. I used your guide to replace my head. can get this done now in about 4 hours total. the hardest part for me is to get the exhaust manifold bolts aligned with the gasket. Great video.

You are VERY professional! Seriously I like your style. Clear, concise, and informative!

hi mod mini man. im all the way over in England and I've successfully changed my head gasket using your tutorial. the only words I have to say is when trying to pull the inlet manifold the bolts were fused to the studs and was impossible to slide back. I had to make a decision so pulled the head out with the inlet manifold attached. once I had the head on the bench the only way I could get the studs out was to wind 2 m8 nuts up the stud and lock them together and force them through all the crap. awesome tutorial and I couldn't have done it without you. TOP MAN

Looking at getting an R52 MINI in a month or so. Great deal, just needs a new head gasket. Thanks so much for the video!

I was going to replace my leaking engine mount, chain tensioner and coil pack. Now it looks like a good time to do it all at once and put a fast cam in. Thanks for the advice!

Watched a few of your videos now, your knowledge of mini's is amazing, just bought a r53 would love to do some work but it's having the various tools you have. Great watching. 👍

Great video, very helpful. One thing I did find is that if you remove the intercooler bracket and rubber gasket from the left hand supercharger horn you are then able to remove the intake manifold completely.

Great video as normal, very informative. As an current owner of 03 mini. Thank you.

Hey im a new mini owner and mine has some serious issues but im willing to take the time to get it going. I just wanted to say thank you for the videos due to my girlfriend has sat down and watch all 9 parts you have uploaded and has a much better understanding of the car and the work i do for our cars. She has gotten more interested in helping and in the car itself. Thanks again.

We just started taking on Mini Cooper work at the shop I own and this video brought a lot of clarity to what it takes to do these properly great video and great audio! Thanks

@ModMINI

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know. Hope you get a stream of work. Lots of people don't want to toss their MINI.

@bryantspeedcustoms9795

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah we just finished up the mini I was telling you about it was so fried had to have the valves done and the valve seals at the machine shop but luckily they were able to resurface it

Thank you for such an instructional video. I did my very own cylinder head job off this video (and part 2). Your videos are so detailed and to the point and very easy to follow. You’ve made my mini ownership fun (even when the car is down).

@tygriff1217

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll be digging into mine this weekend thanks to these videos ! About how long did it take you?

Thanks so much sir,now i can use as a template for my performance camshaft installation. Never worked with the internal engine and never wanted to try but this video gives me confidence. Thanks so mich

Recently did this job with the guidance of this amazing video. Thanks. Turned out the the problem was cracked oil cooler/heat exchanger however. 😧

how can people down vote these videos, they are the best on KZread.

@ModMINI Thankyou so much for your videos!! My first cylinder head job ever and thanks to you I was able to get it off all on my own and not having to pay anyone! Now at the machine shop to get valve job. Thankyou so much!! Will be ordering a hoodie to support the channel!

@loubob21

4 жыл бұрын

How much was the valve job? Thanks

@DavidJohnson-sx1sm

4 жыл бұрын

@@loubob21 It costed me 325 at the shop to have all 16 valves redone

Excellent details as always Mod Mini. So cool to see how you get things done. Can't wait for part 2.

Thank you for taking the time to video & walk us through the process, much appreciated.

sneed speed race head install went flawless. thank you again.

I used these videos and another of yours to replace my cylinder 4 valves. Thank you for posting this, it was very helpful.

You should produce all instructional videos. The best I have viewed!! Thank you for your time and knowledge.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

If I only had the time...

I don't have a R53 anymore, but love to watch these video's! They're so educational! (is that a word? haha) Keep on the good work!

Great! Very informative and helpful! One of the best videos for ANY mini enthusiast, keep up the awesome jobs!

This is brilliant, great tips and a really thorough, step by step approach. Thanks.

Gonna be putting on my tpr2 head and ns1 cam this weekend so I'm steady studying these vids #1 goto video for minis

Thanks for this. Now to go out and find one that might need a little work! Also, your cafepress link only goes to a template page with no products.

Thank for making this video, it helped a lot with getting my $250 MINI up and going like new.

Thanks for a really great video! It really made me to go ahead and lift off the cylinder head off my R53 JCW. It was a bit worse though than just the gasket. Piston 1 has a hole in the side. So I'll have to look for more videos how to replace that.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

Block is probably damaged? You may be looking at a bottom end swap.

Oh, joy of joys! Mod MINI has uploaded a new video.- That is one clean engine bay, by the way.

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+IamMagPie It wasn't until I cleaned it...

@IamMagPie

8 жыл бұрын

+Mod MINI Wow - nice job. I want to clean my engine, but I'm afraid of putting water in there. With all the electric cables, electronics and what not.

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+IamMagPie Everything is water resistant. Just make sure to run the motor until it is hot (dry) before parking. And don't use a pressure washer.

You are firkin awesome. So informative and detailed. Even pro tips and great priced links. Thank you sir!

If you post Part 2 of this (reassembly) before the weekend, I will send you beer in the mail. I'm in the middle of my HG project right now & will be finishing it up on Sunday!

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+Axe Hacks I will try but I have had no time to look at it. Will do what I can.

Love your videos! I have oil in my coolant but no coolant in my oil. I’ve checked the cooler and it’s clear with no gunk or anything!

@mikethebike1423

Жыл бұрын

j'ais le même problème sur ma mini de 2005 .avec vous trouvé la solution ? merci pour votre réponse

02 r50 Thanks you. This video made the process much quicker!

I’ve heard a lot of bad feedback on timing set tools, what do you recommend, and or personally use? I really appreciate that you’re not only professional, but down to earth. Thanks,

Thank you for your video about how to fix mini cooper issues, I just make a little donation to support your excellent job. God bless.

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your support!!

Your walk through is the best!! Lifesaver!!

Nice video (as always)! I just did this on my '03 and didn't have to loosen the I/C outlet duct from the intake manifold to remove the head. Saved a small amount of time.

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+rbazola You must have had to loosened it from the bypass tube or the intake tube from the supercharger?

@rbazola

8 жыл бұрын

+Mod MINI you are correct, the plastic horn slipped off of the s/c inlet! It's buttoned up now.

Watching u work mate was a pleasure

awesome video as always, I really appreciate these tutorials

Love every one of your videos, but I've got to say I've always called it a "Cheater Bar". The breaker bar is like a ratchet, but without the actual ratchet part. At least, that's what they're called in my garage ;) Keep up the great vids!

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+Fir3Chi3f I don't believe in cheating so they are all 'breaker bars' to me :-) (I actually usually just call it my 'chunk of pipe')

Thank you! this video saved me tons of time.

Question?? Just replaced head gasket. Your video a huge help! While sopping up the milkshake in the oil filter housing I accidentally pulled out one of springs and cap. Superglued spring to center of cap and tried to connect it to its mate. I guess the inner piece is broken as they don’t seem to want to snap together. Is this part essential? What is its function? I put oil filter on with just the one springy thing. Am I good to run it? Haven’t started it yet.

You are the best! Congrats! Keep 'em coming!

Thank you so much! Just got the cylinder head off 👍👍

Thanks for another great video. I don't have a cylinder head issue, but I came here to learn about removal of the intake manifold. If I understand you correctly, you seem to say that the supercharger must come off to remove the intake manifold due to clearance issues, unless you remove the head the way you describe to clear the intake manifold studs. The Bentley manual seems to suggest that the intake manifold can come off without removing the super charger. Could you elaborate on this a little please?

I was looking to see if you had done a headgasket video the other day!

I always enjoy your video - there is a zen like calmness about the way you explain things. I have a question. I have 2010 R55 (non turbo) with exhaust manifold and a heat shield in the way to get to the oil filter housing. Is it necessary to move the bumper to get to the housing? I'm looking for a lazy shortcut if there is one.

Great video, I'm on the checkmate 6R50, 53🤗, and noticed the fuel lines can come off by hand, also the fuel rail and valve cover bolts can be clean with rust proof liquid if u will...Ciao...

@matthewgorgoglione5492

5 жыл бұрын

Also little tip is that there's plenty of aluminum or aftermarket coolant bottles and mounts available for your track rig or daily...Go...🏁

Good 'walk thru' procedure. Thank you.

awesome video man, you definitely have some of the best diy videos. and luca, while you're right it isn't a ton of space, when you actually know what what needs to be done it's surprising how much space you have.

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Majewski The 1st gen MINI is pretty well engineered for serviceability. The 2nd gen seems to be not as well planned out.

@audiloves4284

8 жыл бұрын

+Mod MINI agreed, however my girlfriend has a 2nd Gen with the n14 engine. and honestly easier than expected. had to do her timing chain and it's not a difficult task. maybe since I'm a tech I can pick up on it easier... but still s uprising lyrics easy

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Majewski It's not hard really, just a sequence of steps, but considering the "cassette" design, i was a little surprised how much time it took and how much stuff needed to be removed. I could change a timing chain on an R53 faster even though it's not a cassette design. Maybe it's just because I have more Gen1 experience.

@audiloves4284

8 жыл бұрын

+Mod MINI yeah the problem with the cassette design is that the breaks apart, like completely and your left spending s lot of time making sure EVERYTHING is out of the engine lol. there was broken top guide prices in the head I had to clean, and had to pull the pan off cause there were pieces in the pan, and had to take a paper clip and clean the oil suction tube to make sure there's no debris around the edges before the screen, and in my girlfriends situation I also had to pull the oil pump -.- because a small pebble sized piece got stuck between rod #2 and the oil splash guard and it was too tight to get at so I had to pull the pump to get my finger up there. believe it or not that little piece prevented me from being able to turn the engine completely by hand lol

seems like this is the best way to replace the guide rails? I would guess no need to remove wheel or fender inner. great video.

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

correct.

Your video is so spot on! Thank you so much for your knowledge!!

I wish you were my mechanic. I need this done on my 03 Mini.

@Mod MINI I need your expertise since you are the real magician of our MINI's. I started to change the head gasket, and finally opted to install a rebuilt W11 engine. BUT there`s some kind of sludge in the cooling system circuit, mainly in the radiator and heater core ( a mix of oil and prestone), is there an effective product I can pour in the system to clean it and flush it effectively? How do you resolved this situation when it happen? Thank you in advanced Kurt!

Hi great video. Need a bit of help. My timing chain holders broke, and the chain cracked the timing chain oil cover, and the tensioner was not working. I think the chain was slipping. How do I find TDC after I have replaced the chain with the fact that the chain has been slipping. Thanks for your help . My car is an R53

Fantastic like always!!

I really like your videos they've helped me a lot!! Keep on recording :)

How do you know if coolant in your oil is a bad oil cooler or head gasket? Is there a test that can be done to diagnose?

What do you think would be a fair labor time for a shop to charge for this job? I have a BVH I’m wanting installed and I am weighing my options locally before shipping to car up to Detroit tuned

Hi there, is it possible to reuse the Rocker Arm Shaft Tube Bolts if you had to replace the cylinder head gasket and stripped fhe head down

Very informative and helpful video. Thanks!

Hi, do you know how to remove stock hydraulic lifter tappets in the rocker arm of the r53

Hi do you have any videos on changing the timing chain on a mini?

Great job, and I hope I never have to do this!

you're hardcore man!! love it!

If I've got chocolate milk in the coolant system, but the oil is clean, is that going to be a head gasket leak or a oil/water cooler gasket problem? I'm thinking of bypassing the coolant hoses away from the cooler as a test. Car runs fine, but more and more oil in the coolant.

Greetings, I want to know if the crankshaft of a 1.6 non-supercharger mini Cooper works for a 1.6 supercharger

Will this be different for just a cooper not a Cooper s

How much u think is will cost me to replace my hey gasket on my mini Cooper

These videos keep me away from a mini though my heart wants another one so bad

The same process is the same for just a regular 03 mini cooper right?

Excellent video nicely explained got to do one headgasket but can you leave the injector rail on the i take manifold.

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

Aqua Hits not really. You won’t be able to get to the intake manifold bolts.

Love your video mate

Can't believe how many of your videos I have followed on my own car, they are the best! Now I have to pull a defective remanufactured head (grrr), but rounded out the hex hole in screw plug/seal for fwd timing guide (using a torx bit after hex failed). Any suggestions on what will grab inside of that hole to break the plug loose?

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

Never had that issue. It's soft aluminum, just drill it out or use a die grinder to grind it out. Might be able to pull out the head with the timing guide still attached and work on it on a workbench.

+Mod MINI I need your help diagnosing a problem with my own mini, it’s an 02 MCS with 108,000 and it’s a strange problem. If you’re in 1st or 2nd gear and run it hard it doesn’t do anything funny until it hits higher and higher gears. In higher gears or under load it stutters and misfires on a cylinder/s and will run off 3 cylinders until you restart the engine. Help me please!

really awesome video. I'd like to see you do the same on 2009 mini coop.im going to have to replace the head gasket.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I haven't done that job yet.

The part where the intake comes off and gets stuck on the horn. When putting mine back on, I dremeled some material off the corner so it slid right back on and next time it’ll come off easily.

Great video. Used it to remove my head and replace valve spring on 2006 s, but when I started had some bubbling over of the coolant reservoir. Is this common?

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

A little bubbling might be normal if you filled up coolant all the way and air is working its way out. If it persists or is violent, you probably have combustion gases entering the coolant. Either failed head gasket job or head with a crack between combustion chamber and water jacket.

Is it essential to remove the rockers and cam?

Fantastic DIY's!!

We are the process of changing head gasker and turned engine slightly to get cam gear lock tool on. But we done had removed the tensioner. The chain didn't slip on timing gear but could it on the crank? How should I check this before reassembly?

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

Typically it stays in place on crank. When cam sprocket is locked with the tool, and tension applied to chain, all pistons should be level at center of stroke. You can use welding rods or other long wire down the spark plug tubes to confirm.

I’ve seen you work on several mini’s now. Have you owned a few, or are you fixing for people?

Thanks so much these videos - They have saved me and my husband a lot of money and we truly appreciate it! My husband is replacing the oil pump on our 2012 mini countryman s and we can't find the torque for the drive chain/sprocket bolt for the oil pump in the sump. Do you have any idea on this? Thanks

@ModMINI

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry I am not sure, but if no value is published, it should be close to what you'd expect for any other similar bolt.

Hi I own a 2002 Mini Cooper s that has a blown head gasket... where are you located? :) Do you know any mini mechanics in the NYC/NJ/CT area who can do this job? Thank you.

Great tutorial 👍

Any advice on solving the problem with oil in the coolant reservoir? 2006 s thanks

@ModMINI

3 жыл бұрын

Head gasket or oil cooler

amazing video

I watched both the videos and just paused while doing my repair. My only worry is that while taking the timing chain off the sprocket I'm not sure I kept tension the whole time. If not, is it possible the chain jumped some teeth on the crank? I'm worried the timing will be off in reassembly. Any advice is very appreciated. Thank you for the video made this job very easy so far. I'm at the cleaning stage before reassembly.

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

There is a guard around the crank sprocket that should prevent teeth from skipping as long as you did not turn the crank while the chain was loose. No guarantees but it should prevent it.

YOur videos are a god-send. I am planning to do the head gasket and the rear main seal. Can I do them in conjunction with each other, or do I need to do one at a time? I subscribed!

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

It's up to you, you can save some labor doing them at the same time. If I had to do both I'd probably just take the engine out of the car.

Great video. The crank will only turn anti-clockwise (not clockwise as in your video). Does that mean the engine is seized?

@ModMINI

Жыл бұрын

That's unusual. Give a bit more force in case you are stopping too soon. otherwise, time to inspect for something stuck (check valve timing first and any seized accessories). Also take car out of gear obviously

about how many miles was this before headgasket blew ? 200k? is oem gasket MLS metal gasket?>

Hey +Mod MINI! Have those Fel-pro head bolts proven to hold up on a stock head and bottom end? I need to do my head gasket but not planning to do a race build or upgrade the head at all. I'm sitting around 205-210hp at the crank.

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

The bolts are fine.

I'm a smart car owner, moving out of the smart because I got tired of having to remove the engine every time I needed to do any work on it. I'm not sure this Mini is any easier, but I don't want a giant vehicle and this seems like a step up from having to remove the engine to change a thermostat.

How long does this job usually take ?

Just bought a 2003 r53. does not overheat but no heat whatsoever bled system get bubbles. Whilst bleeding system today with cap it burped water through the header. Does this suggest head gasket. Also do these heads need skimming? cheers

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

What do you mean it burped water through the header - water was coming out of the exhaust? It's fairly easy to test for combustion gases in the coolant. If present, you have a head gasket sealing problem. Head should be fine to reinstall as long as there are no cracks and it is clean, straight and true.