MINI cooper N14 and N18 engines are notorious for building up thick carbon deposits on top of the intake valves. This will starve the engine of air and can cause significant damage from burnt valves. Carbon cleaning is a frequent service performed by MINI dealers, but they will typically charge $750 or more. If your MINI is over 40K miles, chances are you need it done.
The best way to do this is through blasting the carbon with walnut shells. This is also what a MINI dealer will do. However, blasting the ports without a vacuum adapter will make a massive mess of your engine bay and garage. This replaces a $90 special adapter made by MINI, and can be easier to use.
This design is also superior to the MINI design, and the other 3D printed copies of the MINI design. The MINI design and knockoffs do not include any air intakes. The will just pull a vacuum in the intake port, without allowing any air to get in to pull the walnut shell out. With the MINI design you will have to frequently stop blasting to blow compressed air in to clean out the shells. This design includes 2 air intakes on the bottom.
If I designed this as one part with 4 mounting holes it would not have fit on the intake ports on the far left and right. Thus, you need two versions. A normal one and a mirrored one. Purchase will include both.
I made this to fit a cheap homemade blaster wand using parts from available at harbor freight.
Designed for a 1-1/4" (OD) or 1-1/2" (ID) vac connection. Can also fit other connections with adapters or duct tape.
Here are some detailed instructions I put together on how to complete your own carbon cleaning.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/how-to/364434-diy-carbon-walnut-blasting-for-cheap.html
Fits:
N14 engine
- 2005 - 2010 Mini Cooper S R56
- 2007 - 2010 Mini Cooper S Cabrio Convertible R57
- 2006 - 2010 Mini Cooper S Clubman R55
N18 engine
- 2009 - 2015 Mini Cooper S Cabrio Convertible R57
- 2009 - 2013 Mini Cooper S R56
- 2009 - 2014 Mini Cooper S Clubman R55
Supplied color varies.