15 replies to this topic

[inim_repooc]

Hello, I have been looking at the exhaust system on my 98' cooper sport (jap import) and I noticed that the sensor had been removed when the old exhaust had been removed and swapped for a stainless system (before i owned it) The sensor is still wired up, but it is just hanging there and the hole in the exhaust has been blocked off (not sure if this is how the system was made or if the person who installed it did that...) So I am wondering if any of you guys have heard of this as being a 'thing' or not - but the engine seems to run just fine, although I have only drove it from a transporter to the garage so far - but it sounds sweet enough! (on a side note - I have noticed that the engine comes up to temperature real quick, even just sat at ldle, but then the temp gauge sits a little bit above the middle white line...)

 

Any thoughts are appreciated - thanks!   

[dklawson]

I have ZERO experience with the later injected Minis.  

 

I question how well the engine can be running if the O2 sensor is not installed.  On non-Minis I am familiar with there are often two sensors, one in the exhaust manifold and a second at the catalytic converter.  The first sensor (in the manifold) is used to control the fuel/air mixture while the one in the converter monitors how well the emissions system is working.  If the front sensor is not installed the computer is probably operating in "limp mode".  While driveable you probably are not getting the optimum performance or fuel economy.

[inim_repooc]

I have ZERO experience with the later injected Minis.  

 

I question how well the engine can be running if the O2 sensor is not installed.  On non-Minis I am familiar with there are often two sensors, one in the exhaust manifold and a second at the catalytic converter.  The first sensor (in the manifold) is used to control the fuel/air mixture while the one in the converter monitors how well the emissions system is working.  If the front sensor is not installed the computer is probably operating in "limp mode".  While driveable you probably are not getting the optimum performance or fuel economy.

This is what me and my dad are thinking! - should I try and clear the port for it and re install it?

[Fast Ivan]

The injection mini needs the lambda sensor to help regulate the fuelling. A faulty or missing lambda will result in an open loop situation where overfuelling will be the end result. Other idleing and running issues are also common when the lambda is faulty.
In short - you need the lambda

[inim_repooc]

The injection mini needs the lambda sensor to help regulate the fuelling. A faulty or missing lambda will result in an open loop situation where overfuelling will be the end result. Other idleing and running issues are also common when the lambda is faulty.
In short - you need the lambda

thanks - I will operate on the exhaust later! 

[inim_repooc]

hmmm... on second inspection - the sensor I mentioned is positioned after the cat - shouldn't the lambda be in the manifold area? is this some other sensor I diddnt know about?

[Fast Ivan]

Yes the lambda should be around the manifold area. What you have there I believe would be the cat overheating sensor, only on the jap spec models.

[inim_repooc]

Yes the lambda should be around the manifold area. What you have there I believe would be the cat overheating sensor, only on the jap spec models.

this makes sense... is it still worth putting back do you think?

[Fast Ivan]

Yes, but it was probably removed for a reason which may become apparent when you go to put it back

[xrocketengineer]

If it is a Japanese Mini, it has a catalytic converter temperature sensor mounted after the converter, between the flange and the first exhaust box. The sensor is connected to an overtemp buzzer warning.  Checkout page 45 of the link below for an explanation of the buzzer operation:

 

http://www.theminifo...attach_id=68242

 

The buzzer wiring diagram is on page 23 the link below:

http://www.theminifo...attach_id=68240

 

The sensor and buzzer are not connected to the ECU. On mine, somebody just cut the wires on the sensor. The UK minis do not have the cat overtemp sensor.

Edited by xrocketengineer, 30 May 2015 - 06:20 PM.

[peter-b]

Mine had the temp sensor and ii is now sensing temp in the local tip. Its not actually a part that's controls anything in the engine, just a warning for overheating cat. If you follow wires up through floor theyll lead you to buzzer, you can let it live with the sensor in the skip bin.

[inim_repooc]

The pipe it should go into is pretty badly rusted (not full stainless system... yet :3) so I won't bother disturbing it seeming that the sensor would only set off an annoying buzzer anyway! I think I will opt for the side cuts instead.... :)

 

Mine had the temp sensor and ii is now sensing temp in the local tip. Its not actually a part that's controls anything in the engine, just a warning for overheating cat. If you follow wires up through floor theyll lead you to buzzer, you can let it live with the sensor in the skip bin.

 

If it is a Japanese Mini, it has a catalytic converter temperature sensor mounted after the converter, between the flange and the first exhaust box. The sensor is connected to an overtemp buzzer warning.  Checkout page 45 of the link below for an explanation of the buzzer operation:

 

http://www.theminifo...attach_id=68242

 

The buzzer wiring diagram is on page 23 the link below:

http://www.theminifo...attach_id=68240

 

The sensor and buzzer are not connected to the ECU. On mine, somebody just cut the wires on the sensor. The UK minis do not have the cat overtemp sensor.

 

Yes, but it was probably removed for a reason which may become apparent when you go to put it back

[inim_repooc]

"Mine had the temp sensor and ii is now sensing temp in the local tip."  - I love the way you describe this haha! 

[peter-b]

"Mine had the temp sensor and ii is now sensing temp in the local tip."  - I love the way you describe this haha!

Not exactly a big market for them so I thought it was a better place for it. I did keep the schmick looking brading off the sensor wire.

[gazza82]

In Japan they probably double up as nuclear fall-out warnings