Is it normal to have a little bit of oil at the fittings at the intercooler? i just changed my intercooler with a new forge one and there was a little bit of oil at either end of the intercooler. I called the dealership and they said it was normal to have a little. I was concerned that the turbo was having problems. I figured it should only be pushing air. Just wanted them sorted out before I tune the engine at Sneeds Speed shop and really blow the remaining warranty. I've got 38000 on my little Oliver now. Any thoughts?

 

Yes its normal to have a little oil in the intercooler.

 

Who would have guessed! That's good to hear. Always thought it was all only air

 

Its ok, your drawing a little oil mist from the pcv upstream on the valve cover. A small amount is normal and acceptable for turbo cars. If turbo seal goes bad you will know it, you will have blue smoke out of the exhaust.

 

It's condensed crankcase vapors. You should think about cleaning your intercooler out every year if it's your daily driver. Since the air is expanding in the intercooler it acts like a condenser making a great collector for oil over time.

 

Its normal but this is easily fixed with a catch can

 

Looks like I'll get a catch can. Seems like only 2 people make them BSH and m7Can't believe the cost!

 

You're still going to get oil in there if you get a catch can. They do not filter the oil vapors out that efficiently.

I agree, the people that sell them for the MINI are laughing all the way to the bank for the half-*** solution that it is.

 

Coming from speed3 with DI, I agree that catch cans r not the total solution. If not driven on the freeway in a regular bases you were walnut blasting regardless.

 

It's not a 100% fix but how often do you want to pay for an expensive carbon clean we are just talking about putting off that job as much as possible.

 

Where and how much would a professional cleaning cost? Or just stick with seafoam?

 

Just bought my catch can from Madness Mini for $110.00! It didn't appear to be a sale, just a more reasonable price than NM and the others. It's billet aluminum with a carbon cover. Looks great too!

 

I saw that one on their site but its listed under the R53 supercharged minis. Will it work/ fit with our cars?

 

I am not sure if I should get a catch can or not. I plan on only keeping my MCS for 50,000 miles before training in for a new one. Right now it only has 3,500 miles on it and most of my miles are highway but traffic. I figure a catch can and Seafoam would do the trick to keep me from having problems. What does everyone think

 

This company makes a nice dual catch can as well as single cans, quality is unmatched in my opinion.

http://www.saikoumichi.com/

 

I emailed them. I'll see what they say about a Mini Cooper specific one

 

They have dual can, a group from another forum did a "group buy" for them recently. Mr. Saikou will take care of you.

 

Only thing with those is, they don't talk about baffles. A catch can will only work efficiently and serve its purpose, if the vapors have something besides the sides of the can to condense to.

Just an FYI. I wouldn't buy into one unless it has baffles.

 

Their website talks about and shows a drawing of one with mesh inside saying it may be better than baffles

 

Guess I didn't see that one. I looked at 3 of the CAD drawings and didn't see the mesh. That will work if they do have it.

 

wow didnt even know about them but i used the same idea when i made my OCC.

its here in my build thread. and was pretty cheap and easy to make i havent check on it though to see how full it is ill do that tomorrow. just scroll half way down.

 

Hi there , in relation to your answer here about blue smoke is that all the time or just when you put your foot down? I'm starting to suspect my turbo is going , iv noticed a puff of smoke after hard acceleration even more so now iv had it tuned and decat . Do you think this is due to my turbo ? I also had a bit of oil in my intercooler hose. Thanks