linda_vogel55

Mini Clubman Engine Knocking

Alright, so my 2012 Mini Clubman is giving me headaches. It feels like it's knocking during combustion, resulting in reduced engine power. When I accelerate, it jerks, and there's noticeable smoke coming out. Plus, there's an error stored in the error memory. My gut feeling is it's deposits in the combustion chamber. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like engine knock, possibly detonation. I had a similar issue with my old Peugeot – same symptoms: power loss, jerking, and smoke on acceleration. Does the error memory mention anything about misfires or timing?

Misfires? Timing? I'm not too savvy with the technical terms. Could you explain what that means in simpler words? How did you solve it in your Peugeot?

Okay, misfires mean the fuel isn't burning correctly in one or more cylinders. Timing refers to when the spark plugs fire. If either is off, it can cause knocking. If it's actually detonation which is uncontrolled burning of the air fuel mixture it can seriously damage the cylinder heads. With those symptoms and error codes, and considering you are thinking deposits in the combustion chamber, you should take it to a trusted mechanic and have them scope the cylinders. A good cleaning or engine tuning should make it better.

Huge thanks for the insights! It turned out to be carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, just like you suspected. The workshop did a cleaning, and it's running like new. Cost me 425€, but totally worth it. I'll definitely pay closer attention to fuel octane from now on.

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