Grarteaga

Hey Scotty, what I also notice on mine is the hose from AC compressor to condenser found its way on the header and it melted the hose leaving a hole in it. Maybe this also might be the case?

Thanks, @Gearhead60 I'll check them out.

Also Pollito, Since you were the only one to respond here. I figure you might be interested in my progress. I was able to get a friend to help me with space, I've been able to work on Krusty a bit here and there. Here are some photos, I've been able to get the head out. I noticed a few things while taking the head off. Must have's: 1. I haven't had cold AC since the engines been giving me issues. Not sure if its related but I discovered that the AC tubing was punctured due to it finding its way near my header and a hole had formed in it from it melting. (Added a pic) 2. More related to the head. When I took it off the gasket doesn't look cracked or badly damaged. I did notice that one of the metal cup like looking covers was in the wrong place. It looked like it had flung off from the hole hear the timing chain and had completely come off and was lodged near the timing chain chamber, which looks like it traveled a bit because it shouldn't be there. I wonder if this is why the coolant and oil mixed together. (Added a pic and circles indicating what I'm referring to). 3. I'm going to be replacing the oil filter housing gasket, as they recommend I do in addition to the timing chain now that its open. 4. The oil pan on this base mini is filthy, so I thin I'm going to get a new oil pan gasket and new oil pan (its a little beat up). 5. Front and rear bumper reinforcement (they were rusty looking). Like to have's: 1. I'm noticing that the subframe is hella rusted not to the point where it will fall apart but I'd like to replace that in the next year or so after I finish the head, you think I should do it now? I replaced the shocks and springs, and brakes this past year. 2. I may need an upgrade on my muffler. It could wait but I could do it now too. 3. AC compressor and condensor. Or should I just change the damaged tubes and charge the compressor with AC and see if that does it? Anyway, jotting down my thoughts.

Hey folks, its me again. I was able to take my head off (head gasket replacement work from previous thread) but now I need to take it to a machine shop to have it rebuilt, yes I've googled, but do any of this club's members have any recs or referrals for me? that would be greatly appreciated. Getting there with my 2012 Mini Cooper hatchback Base (R56) -G

Did you ever find a reputable machine shop in the DMV area that I could take the head to get it rebuilt? I took it out and now I'm sourcing where to take it to. Any recs would be super helpful! Thx.

Did you learn how to do it with the help of someone of did you watch videos? I'm seriously considering renting a garage for a month or two depending on how much it is, I'm finding some in DC for about $200-250. I would just need a motor jack or I guess I could just use a hand jack, which I have. I have a compressor and mostly all the tools I would need to pull out the head. On a level of 1 being super novice and 10 being an expert, what would you rate having done it, in terms of one's own experience? I guess I'm gaging if its gonna be a pain in the ass to do. $3800 is a lot tho, so there is that. I guess the other option is I sell it as a mechanic special and find an S, which I want anyway.

No luck just yet on space. I've taken it to a few shops and one shop in PA in particular will do it for $3800 or $6600 for a used engine replacement.

Hey folks, I have 2012 Mini Cooper Base that needs a head gasket replacement and milky oil flush, maybe even a coolant flush. Does anyone know someone that has a garage that could help me out with this? Either that can do it for not an arm and a leg or that could provide me with the space and advice for me to work on it (slowly). I'm the son of a mechanic but all my gear and space is back in California. Know this is a bit strange of an ask, maybe, but thought I'd ask the group for advice, suggestions, and/or pointing me in the right direction. thanks! Best, Gabe