Toto an R50 Cooper from 02 (Not a good vintage) has most 02 Mini problems.

He was recently losing oil but a filter change I think has sorted that. Although the level appears to have still dropped a little.

Last week the missus commented that the temp guage was red lining. Oops. Investigation showed that coolant levels were down and i noticed bubbles/boiling in the expansion tank. I topped up and then changed the thermostat and gasket (managing to sheer off a housing botl in the process) Joy.

Coolant has been vanishing still intermittently as we check it after each journey. Housing may now leak as only 2 bolts secure it. Uncertain.

Yesterday I noticed the engine note had changed and was far higher in pitch. Well some sound related to engine speed. Alsmost a fluttering, put put noise and a higher whine. It goes entirely when depressing the clutch or crusing in neutral.

About 2 months back the clutch was changed so I am wondering if this is some form of clutch related noise or the DMF ?

Any help appreciated as we have bought a total dog that is bleeding us dry.

noise getting more pronounced and slightly higher pitched. Mini dealer just said gearbox failing without listening. There is no real vibration, no squeals, crunches or knocks. Just a higher pitched whine and noise that sounds like air being expelled intermittently.

Had to lol at £3000 for replacement gearbox.

Coolant level dropping intermittently and I noticed bubbles in the coolant expansion tank when revving the engine. Could a head gasket failure or some form of pump failure attribute a fluttery noise and the higher pitched transmission noise ??

God I'd love a reply.

Whining noise sounds like the input shaft bearing on the gearbox. I guess in the '02 you've got the Midlands unit and not the Getrag, correct?

Is the coolant dirty? It's bothersome that the levels are declining. If you remove the oil filler cap, have you got any emulsified oil on it? You need to identify where you're losing the coolant. Check the waterpump area very carefully for any signs of dried coolant.

I think the two problems are probably unrelated.

Why was the clutch changed? If done properly, you should be good to go. How many miles have you put on the car since the change?

Hi Clarkster

I just had a similar problem on my 2003 Cooper - turned out to be the Gearbox.
However £3000 to put it right is laughable especially when you consider the value of an 02 cooper. I managed to track down a reconditioned box on ebay from a company in coventry for £300 and then got an independent garage to fit it locally for £150. So my advice is Shop around!

As for the coolant dropping - You need to sort out that sheared bolt so you can eliminate that from your investigations. Also i'd get a garage to do a "sniffer test" done on the engine. They'll use a sensor/probe to check for exhaust gases in the coolant system.

Let us know how you get on.

if it's just the input shaft bearing and it hasn't been going on for ages, it's possible to fix the existing gearbox. Obviously if it's been thrashing about wildly for ages it's probably damaged a few other things as well!

Seems that when changing the gear box the bearings, seals, etc. would have been replaced. What length of warranty did they give on the tranny replacement?

Mini dealer just said gearbox failing without listening.
Had to lol at £3000 for replacement gearbox.

No doubt said the price without looking too, then watched to see if you looked like you were going dizzy, or winced, then if you has said great what a bargain, they would have thought *** it we could have asked a lot more.
Did you tell them they were failing on price without looking?
Im sure half these quotes are stick a finger in the air and see which way the winds blowing.
Should have knocked them down £2900 like Mike Brewer does on Wheeler Dealer :rolleyes:

As said your Midland gearbox has failed, shame you had the clutch replaced recently as much of that labour will have to be repeated again......
Minigearboxes of Coventry can supply of fit a replacement at a good price:
mini gearbox, gear fix - Mini recon gearboxes | BMW MINI cheap gearboxes (http://www.minigearboxes.co.uk/)
Ask for John Tee the owner who is a Mini2.com member.

Midland Gearbox:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=9643)

Coolant problem is likely to be air in the system, after any job on a Mini cooling system much patience is often needed to expel all the air.
More:
Solving MINI Cooling Problems.......... - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=13263)

As said your Midland gearbox has failed, shame you had the clutch replaced recently as much of that labour will have to be repeated again......
Minigearboxes of Coventry can supply and/or fit a replacement at a good price:
mini gearbox, gear fix - Mini recon gearboxes | BMW MINI cheap gearboxes (http://www.minigearboxes.co.uk/)
Ask for John Tee the owner who is a Mini2.com member.
Their approx. prices for an exchange recon gearbox and new clutch fitted to a MINI:
5-Speed Midland gearbox £595
5-Speed Getrag gearbox £690
6-Speed Getrag gearbox £750
Recon box supply only from £325

Midland Gearbox:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=9643)

Coolant problem is likely to be air in the system, after any job on a Mini cooling system much patience is often needed to expel all the air.
More:
Solving MINI Cooling Problems.......... - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=13263)