So about 3 months ago I started this CEL journey. It started with misfires in every cylinder and this P1497/2b64 ( boost leak after intake mani ). Turns out timing chain tensions were toast and the chain was stretched.Mini was kind enough to foot the bill since it was their defect anyway.

Now still remains the P1497 error. I have had my private mechanic look over the car multiple times, as well as the dealer ( who is now refusing to look at it claiming its my mods).

So this cat ineficiency code has only come up since they updated my ECU ( my accessport was wiped clean) I am still waiting to get my accessport back from cobb.

Both my mechanic and the dealer smoke tested the vehicle with no luck. The dealer did find a crack in the downpipe (thanks alta) which has since been welded closed.

The valve cover and gasket have been replaced as I did have this problem once before and it was the valve cover causing it.

I am at a loss here, my inspection is up in nov and the dealer refuses to look at my car until it has been returned to stock.

Its an 09 cooper s with 69k miles.
Current Mod List:
M7 ags-r ram intake
M7 turbo heat shield
NM boost tubes
Alta bov spring
Alta 3" Turbo back exhaust
Helix FMIC
Megan Coilovers
Control arms and camber plates
Sway bars front and rear
NM Short shifter
Clutchmasters fx100 clutch
Alta Accessport Stage 3 Tune


Steps performed by mechanic/dealer:
Replace valve cover
Weld hole in exhaust closed
Smoke test intake system
Update ECU
Clear and retest Multiple times both by myself and dealer

My observations:
On stock map - everything is fine. No boost cuts, performance is well stock but fine.
On Stage 3 Map - Boost cuts constantly at higher psi. If driving on the highway at say 70 mph, if you give it more than half pedal , it will cut out.


Any suggestions you guys have would be great. Almost all of the threads on here point to the valve cover, I read one that said it was something as silly as the oil dipstick not being pressed down all the way, So I am double checking everything again but still no luck.

 

Multiple sources to cause a P1497; timing problem, valve cover, PCV vent hose leaking, etc.

Smoke tests don't always show leaks on these cars.

 

Any suggestions on how I could narrow down the problem ? Timing chain was just replaced by the dealer a few weeks ago, so I dont think that is a likely problem, and also the valve cover has been replaced.

 

The vent tubes are quite fragile, especially on some of the older cars that have been either exposed to hot climates or prolonged engine bay temps, it wouldn't surprise me if it got cracked while they were doing the timing chain or valve cover.

I've seen cars jump time even with brand new parts, not bad enough to cause damage but enough to create a scavenging effect which is also unmetered air.

MINI PCV Vent Tube

Good luck, let us know if there is anything we can assist with.

 

I order a new hose and the turbo flange, because thats been a common problem of mine as well, intake tube also pops off occasionally. Lets hope 70$ in parts will solve my problem !

 

Thanks for the extra supplies, the beer cozy and bottle opener will come in handy during install !

 

Thanks for the order, glad we were able to help out. let us know if there is anything else you need assistance with!

 

So got it installed and going, drove about 30 miles, looks like the 2b64 intake mani leak came back already, it did not throw a CEL yet, it usually takes about 60 miles for that to come on. But since I already see this code back im not hopeful I took some logs with my accessport (now tuned to stage 3 again) Maybe someone can make something of it, The log doesnt have map or maf readings , this is the firsty time I used it I need to play around with it.

 

logs

 

As predicted 60 miles on the dot the ecu finally adapted and threw the same P1497 and P2b64 codes. Hoping there are some other options for me to try ?

 

I dont have the fault code chart but does the fault say Charge pressure and then the boost leak fault description you are getting? I don't think i have ever seen that fault. Does the car idle fine? Check the vent tube on the manifold. They are brittle, take off that mesh stuff on it to make sure . As a matter of fact just remove the intake manifold and inspect it for any cracks. While its off check the carbon on the valves while you are there. Check the vacuum lines from the Vacuum pump and turbo to the pressure valve and vacuum box behind the engine. if they are covered in oil and slip on and off easily replace them or just use a zip tie to hold them on for now and see if the code returns.
In the end it could be one of your aftermarket parts. Is the fault returning only with the stage 3 map ? Does it not return with the stock map?

 

The fault in the accessport reads as Intake Mani Leak, others have said it says downstream air leak past intake manifold. It doesnt mention anything about charge pressure. The fault does come back regardless of what map
I am running. I agree it could be one of the aftermarket parts failing, however just as if it was a stock part, I am still unable to pinpoint where the problem is, nor is the mechanic able to. Any chance there is a good how to on how to completely remove the intake mani? I had it unbolted from the head when i installed the pcv hose but there seems to still be alot holding it on and im not exactly skilled at this! lol

 

I had this P1497 code recently along with P2187 that showed up afterwards. The way I found out where my leak was coming from was to spray some carb starter/cleaner around the vacuum lines and hoses. I finally got to the PCV hose and sprayed around there and the idle jumped. So I nudged the PCV hose a little to see if that was really the cause and the idle jumped again. Turns out the hard plastic hose was cracked from the heat and age but you can't tell because theres sheathing on it and the hose is mostly underneath the intake manifold. After replacing it with a new OE hose, I drove the car for roughly under 40 miles and both MIL lights went out after the next startup. You might want to try checking that hose.

I've also attached a PDF file for you to view on how to remove the intake manifold if that is ultimately where you end up. Good luck

 

thank you all for your help, I ended up making the trip out to Helix Motorsports in Philly. Long drive but well worth it ! They were able to take care of it no problem. It was the waste gate solenoid and also my timing was still off. Huge shoutout to the guys at Helix ! Excellent service and excellent prices.