I don’t really have a reason to create this thread other than to vent with like-minded enthusiast. My story all started with this issue: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3835562


After determining I threw a rod bearing I paid the shop to purchase and install a short block assembly. Along, with other parts while they were in their like ball joints, clutches etc. My shop purchased a remanufactured short block from my local Mini dealer. The shop dissembled my engine then reassembled with the new short block.
I then drove the car like a little old lady for ~480 miles. Then during the polar vortex I started the car up and had a check engine light for a random cylinder misfire. I took the car back to the shop just to be safe. My mechanic takes the car for a test drive after performing basic diagnostics and returns with an engine knock.



My shop says it sounds like another rod bearing and most likely is due to a bad assembly of the short block from Mini. So he ships the car off to Mini. Mini reviews and says they are in no way liable due to aftermarket damper (ATI) and aftermarket pulley (15%). So, my mechanic then turns it into his insurance. They investigate and review. His insurance now wants to deny the claim because according to them regardless of the fact that he was driving when the bearing went that it would have happened anyway due to aftermarket parts.
I am simple stunned. I can’t believe the problems associate with this car and re-build. And I am flabbergasted by what to do next. I have of course contacted an attorney since I spent almost 20% of my salary on this rebuild because I loved the car. I still can’t get a straight answer on what caused the failure. And I don’t understand how nobody is liable….


Sorry for the rant NAM and tanks for all the silent help/advice over the past couple years.
Motor on, Brian

 

That must suck..

I hope you get them to replace it but i doubt they would do that unless you sue them.. Good luck
In my opinion you shouldn't install aftermarket parts on a new engine, especially if it's connected to the engine's internals directly (ATI)

 

Sounds like the dealer is giving you a load of BS...
The ati damper EXCEEDS the specs of the oem damper....
Pulley...if they can contend a 15% destroyed a motor....why do most dealers actually do installs?!
If they said you had bad fuel....or A bad ecu/injectors and THAT caused the issue...could understand.... But to Say "you fault" after spending $$$ on parts...ouch!!!
Vent away....and please post the dealers name...they could have had corporate look into it...and tried to do SOMETHING for you....

 

Have you determined if the crank damper HAS failed...thus caused the first failure....then the second? If this happened...then I guess you have very bad luck....

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I know what you're going through.

I was in the same boat as the OP. I threw a con-rod bearing then had the engine rebuilt. I had to take that rebuilt engine out and have the dealer install a new JCW crate. The lawyers are involved against the shop that did the rebuild (it's been 1.5 years now and still not done). I've spent over $14K and that doesn't include the lawyers yet.

I now have 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty from Mini on the engine, the new SC and the labour. I'm 8 months in on it now. There's no way I'm adding any aftermarket parts under there until the warranty is up. I'm not even going to fiddle with their install by taking stuff apart unless I really need too. I'm not going to give them any ammunition against any kind of warranty work. I'm even testing my oil with Blackstone so they can't come back on me with "you didn't do proper maintenance"

I have no real advice, just offering a shoulder to cry on.

 

I like what Zippy had to say in regards to the installation of a 15% pulley. I'd find out if they install the pulley and at least let my attorney know. Hopefully a way will be found so that won't be necessary.

 

Just to add to ZippyNH, the JCW pully is about 14% so it would be hard to say a 15% pully damaged the motor.

 

Classic Mini doesn't really take issue with the damper, only the pulley. The pulley was already on the engine since I only had my certified mechanic replace the short block assembly. Classic informed me that it is a field rep who makes the determination (took then two weeks).

I agree it is BS. The worst part is since mini can't/couldn't find anything wrong with the instillation process my mechanics insurance won't pick it up either. I can't even convince them to give me a technical argument for denying their warranty of the shirt block. Their own warranty claims process states that aftermarket parts aren't an automatic reason for voiding....

I spoke with an Attorny who is very knowledgable in both auto cases and insurance beefs and he told me it was useless to go after mini. Mainly since I didn't actually purchase the short block from them, my mechanic did.

I think my best course is to take the car back have the block, head and cranked reviewed by and independent machine shop and sue my mechanic. I really hate that option since I don't believe it is his fault and he has been very helpful in this.

 

And a new complication....

Classic Mini won't release the car because they want to be paid for the diagnostic work of disassembly and the cost of the tow. My mechanic refuses to pay it because he doesn't believe he is liable. My mechanic was very helpful right up until now.

Well I have flight to Florida and 16 hour drive home in 2000 cavalier to think and stew about all this. I really thought I was taking the safest course purchasing a new short block and having a certified mechanic install it.

I don't even know what to say or do at this point. I may call mini USA again; be the squeaky wheel.

 

You could bolt in a used motor with a warrenty.....
You will have lots of nearly new parts if anything ever fails...
That way you CAN get the car on the road asap...and lowest cost possible.
It is an option....

 

P.S.
The dealer will start charging you "storage fees"....so pick up the car asap.

 

I wish I could. They won't release it until my mechanic pays them.

I looked at what engines were available on eBay. But I don't know if that is something I can do in my garage. I've done a fair share of wrenching and grew up building antique boat engines with my step dad. Besides that all is predicated on actually having money for an engine.

 

What even causes a spun bearing? In my mind it has to be either low oil, over reving or miss assembly of the bearing. Is there something I am missing?

Also, does anyone have any connections with ATI? I am going to try an contact them regarding some form of technical data that proves/demonstrates they exceed OEM spec pulley. There isn't anything easily accessible on their website.

 

I was able to get a high level person's email at Mini USA, before I write an email pleading my case I was hoping to have some better facts. I have found some info on the Damper that I think I can use. My next issue if the 15% pulley. This is were I am hoping I can get some help. Is the JCW a 11%? Thus the 15% pulley only 4% smaller creating 1-2lbs extra boost? Does anyone know of dealerships that will actually install 15%?

Any help is appreciated. I want my email to be as clear and concise as possible on how my modifications did not result in a spun bearing. I wish I could get something from the popular vendors stating how many pulleys they have sold/installed without issue.

 

There are several things that would rub me wrong with this deal.

If I brought a car to someone with a misfire and it got a rod knock during their test drive. I hate to say it, but I’d be pointing fingers at the mechanic. I do wonder what happened during that test drive.

Was this a true short block as in just the lower end or was a full long block with a head? I noticed in another thread you mentioned it has a thumper head. I wonder if it’s a timing chain slap or if the head has no oil pressure?

I would not let the car sit at MINI. I’d be pulling an oil sample to find out what is coming apart in side the engine.

 

Well, Mini did test the oil and it was a bearing that cam apart in my engine. After speaking with a real non-sales rep human at Mini USA they have decided to warranty the engine and replace mine with a new long block. So I am definitely a happy customer and feel they are finally standing behind their warranty.

 

Good to hear!!
Hopefully you were able to patch things up with your local mechanic....
sounds like it was a stressful few weeks for all involved! Just shows...be respectful and don't burn bridges!!

 

Definitely agree on the not burning bridges. The mechanic is now back to being very helpful and it looks like I will be made completely whole. While it was tough getting through the initial sales/dealer reps at Mini USA once I did I found them to be extremely helpful and fair in their assessment.

I can't wait to post that I am back on the road and loving my car again.

 

I hope they get it fixed up for you.

 

Had an issue like this with my 2005 Subaru Legacy GT. Driving up to my parents, car started to run warm, so I took it to the dealer up there. There was a timing belt issue, but because I had put a lightweight crank pulley on it, they weren't going to warranty it. After calling Subaru of America and talking to someone there, they told the dealer to warranty it (less hassle than the OP). The dealer told me to never come there again.

I honored that.