Whining MINI engine (pipe contracts - why?) - pics
Discussion
Got a constant whining from the engine - know what the problem is - the pipe you see in the pics below - when the engine is running it is squeezed and the whining starts - when the engine is off it returns to its original state (second pic.
Is this pipe just a breather for the top of the engine? What causes the change in pressure so that it collapses and other than install a metal pipe, what can I do?
Any help appreciated.
Mike
Engine running:

Engine not running:

Is this pipe just a breather for the top of the engine? What causes the change in pressure so that it collapses and other than install a metal pipe, what can I do?
Any help appreciated.
Mike
Engine running:

Engine not running:

I'm not familiar with that engine so this is speculation, but I assume that the engine has a positive crankcase ventilation system (it's pretty universal these days) and that pipe is connected to the intake manifold vacuum. I would guess that either the pipe is knackered and is no longer withstanding the vacuum as it is supposed to, or (more likely IMO) you have a blockage in the breather system which is resulting in more vacuum on that pipe than it is designed for.
GreenV8S said:
I'm not familiar with that engine so this is speculation, but I assume that the engine has a positive crankcase ventilation system (it's pretty universal these days) and that pipe is connected to the intake manifold vacuum. I would guess that either the pipe is knackered and is no longer withstanding the vacuum as it is supposed to, or (more likely IMO) you have a blockage in the breather system which is resulting in more vacuum on that pipe than it is designed for.
That breather vents into the supercharger if thats any helpEvening all,
The girlfriend recently bought an approved Cooper S and think that her car has the same problem. You notice it around 30+ and can hear it when lifting off at speeds also. Bloody annoying if nothing else. I checked under the bonnet and the pipe looks as per the picture when warm (although I haven't yet checked when the engne was cold). Another though was that it could be a wheel bearing although would I not hear this at lower speeds also????
Any help/advise greatly received, although it looks like it may be going back to the dealer for a check up!
The girlfriend recently bought an approved Cooper S and think that her car has the same problem. You notice it around 30+ and can hear it when lifting off at speeds also. Bloody annoying if nothing else. I checked under the bonnet and the pipe looks as per the picture when warm (although I haven't yet checked when the engne was cold). Another though was that it could be a wheel bearing although would I not hear this at lower speeds also????
Any help/advise greatly received, although it looks like it may be going back to the dealer for a check up!
Common fault which is easily fixxed.
That pipe is for the crankcase breathing...It allows the gases in the engine to escape into the inlet track and be burnt off in combustion.Without this the engine basically builds up too much pressure and seals would start to burst or the enginge keeps on cutting out.This is what you are or are about to experience.You will find the EML light will come on soon.
Upto 03 ish the pipe was made from a poor rubber which soaked in oil and bloated,weakened and then imploads when the engine speed rises as you have found.You can buy a new pipe from BMW which is about £10+.What you will get is the bit you have shown and the grey plastic pipe that goes under the supercharger to the throttle housing.It is perfectly ok to just replace the rubber piece and not the grey part as it isnt effected-it will also save a few hours of tears and tantrums.
That pipe is for the crankcase breathing...It allows the gases in the engine to escape into the inlet track and be burnt off in combustion.Without this the engine basically builds up too much pressure and seals would start to burst or the enginge keeps on cutting out.This is what you are or are about to experience.You will find the EML light will come on soon.
Upto 03 ish the pipe was made from a poor rubber which soaked in oil and bloated,weakened and then imploads when the engine speed rises as you have found.You can buy a new pipe from BMW which is about £10+.What you will get is the bit you have shown and the grey plastic pipe that goes under the supercharger to the throttle housing.It is perfectly ok to just replace the rubber piece and not the grey part as it isnt effected-it will also save a few hours of tears and tantrums.
Hi Guys
My First Post !
Just read this post so here goes!
We have just had this problem and the pics posted on here are superb regarding this fault.
Our whining was at 2,000 rpm which drove us mad for 2 weeks !
Solution is simple !
Just take the pipe off and swap it around ! Seriously it solved the problem wihtin 30 seconds!
It will save you the time spent driving to dealer and any costs.
Hope this helps on my first post guys / ladies ?
My First Post !
Just read this post so here goes!
We have just had this problem and the pics posted on here are superb regarding this fault.
Our whining was at 2,000 rpm which drove us mad for 2 weeks !
Solution is simple !
Just take the pipe off and swap it around ! Seriously it solved the problem wihtin 30 seconds!
It will save you the time spent driving to dealer and any costs.
Hope this helps on my first post guys / ladies ?
jcwuk said:
Hi Guys
My First Post !
Just read this post so here goes!
We have just had this problem and the pics posted on here are superb regarding this fault.
Our whining was at 2,000 rpm which drove us mad for 2 weeks !
Solution is simple !
Just take the pipe off and swap it around ! Seriously it solved the problem wihtin 30 seconds!
It will save you the time spent driving to dealer and any costs.
Hope this helps on my first post guys / ladies ?
Hi jcwuk - welcome to PH ... where've yer been? My First Post !
Just read this post so here goes!
We have just had this problem and the pics posted on here are superb regarding this fault.
Our whining was at 2,000 rpm which drove us mad for 2 weeks !
Solution is simple !
Just take the pipe off and swap it around ! Seriously it solved the problem wihtin 30 seconds!
It will save you the time spent driving to dealer and any costs.
Hope this helps on my first post guys / ladies ?

We had it sorted at a dealer a couple of weeks ago - so all sorted now, should have tried the remedy maybe but the wife was nagging to just get it done.
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