12 replies to this topic

[Mini alec]

Hi all looking at getting next mini and wondering when cam belt needs changing? (miage?)
Thanks

[The Matt]

Mini engines don't have a cam belt, they have a timing chain (unless you're talking about the newer BMW variants).

[Mini alec]

Thats what i ment......???? lol sorry timing chain? ;p

[R1minimagic]

Unless it has had a conversion...

[Mini alec]

No standard spi.

[benb12]

There is no interval as they are not susceptible to degrading with age like a rubber belt is. After thousands of miles the tensioner will wear out and the timing chain will rattle, but that's it.

[Mini alec]

Learn something new everyday thanks all.

[Cooperman]

Depending upon how high and how often you really rev the cat, the standard timing chain can be expected to last in the region of 30,000 to 50,000 miles. If used at high revs, or with a hot cam running heavy valve springs, the chain life can come down to a much lower figure.
A duplex chain will last much longer for the same use/abuse.
The quality of aftermarket chains varies a lot and one should always buy the best quality possible. Poor quality chains have been known to have stretched and to start rattling against the timing cover in as little as 5000 miles.
They are not difficult to change.

[Ethel]

If it's a standard A series it won't do itself an injury if the chain (or belt) snaps.

[R1minimagic]

I think you mean it wont damage the valves/pistons but it could still chew up the timing gears nicely!

[mini13]

You sure on that ethel?

do the cam lobes clear the con rods with a std cam?

[Spud_133]

Yes, I had a cam chain snap on my 998, once we had unravelled the chain from the bottom pulley, we timed it all up and put the new chain on, and it hadn't bent any valves.

[mini13]

its the 1275 that you have to wory about, certainly performance cams will take a swipe out of the rods, but ive never tried it with a std cam.