[SuperCooper =)]

Hello Canada, I have a question. I haven't been able to find any information about leaking coolant expansion reservoir. I wonder if any body has experienced this problem as well. it seems to be leaking from the joint of the two half's.

Any body have any experience with this I would love to hear from you.

[MINIAC]

What's the build date on your MINI?

[MiniPapa]

I've had a leak on mine but it was from the thermostat housing.

The old reservoirs were bad for leaky seams. The new ones are one piece or something.

[nylo]

Mine's a Jan 04 and it started to seep at the seam. Dealer replaced it under warranty for me, no problem

[Humourl3ss]

My 2003 build had the problem too. Just get the dealer to replace it (assuming it's still under warranty).

[SuperCooper =)]

Yeah it seems like it is leaking from the seems, I was wondering if this part was a recalled part, I bought the replacement tank - just under $60 since my mini is a 2002 I don't think I can get them to repair it under any kind of warrantee, however if the part was defect , then the BMW Canada should replace the part free of charge. Also I'm not sure where I Can find my Build date? can you tell this from the VIN?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by SuperCooper =) (original)

I'm not sure where I Can find my Build date? can you tell this from the VIN?

FAQ: How can I find out when my MINI was built?

[SuperCooper =)]

Thanks for the link. It turns out its a 06/2002 - BTW that realoem.com site is really neat. ICould spend hours there.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by SuperCooper =) (original)

I was wondering if this part was a recalled part, I bought the replacement tank - just under $60 since my mini is a 2002 I don't think I can get them to repair it under any kind of warrantee, however if the part was defect , then the BMW Canada should replace the part free of charge.

There is a Service Bulletin but like most of these you had to request a replacement while under warranty. You might want to talk to your dealer about a "good will" replacement.

Quote: Originally Posted by SuperCooper =) (original)

... that realoem.com site is really neat. I Could spend hours there.

Some of us have

[SuperCooper =)]

Well I dont think that Russ Murray will be willing to do anything for me. He and I have spoken - and we are on different terms than I would have liked.. in any case I just as soon save the time and touble of dealing with him and spend the $60 bones my self. Not like I cant do the repair on my own. After all I think there is o nly one bolt holding it in place.

In anycase I wont be taking my mini to the BMW/Mini for any work my reguarl mechanic is more than good, Alesandro Motors on Edmonton Trail, the only thing he doesnt do is the Computer components.

[SuperCooper =)]

I did the installation, it took about 10 mins. All you need are a set of vice grips, a 10mm socket, and 10 mins. the replacement is very easy and you dont even have to loose any coolant.

1st, remove the upper overfow hose,
2nd remove teh bolt that holds the resevoir to the firewall ( 10 mm socket )
3rd, wiggle the old resvoir out of its two pin hole holders ( see new tank )
4th remove the lower rad hose from the tank, ( hold the resevoir tank so that non of the coolant will pour out as you remove the hose.
5th, replace the tank. and redo the steps in reverse.
6th, poor the coolant left in the resevoir into the new one. and top up to the max level.
7th, hop in and DRIVE =)

As a side note:
the car was very cool - engine temperature that is. i did not drive it far before I did the repair.
also . . .
While I was under the hood, I cleaned off the heat sheid directly below the expansion tank so that if ther was another leak to appear I would beable to see it drip .

[Mr Grean]

I just had our second leaky tank replaced. Ours is a 2003 MCS. 1st one around 2500 kms and the second at 42,000 kms...but about 3 years apart. Under warranty and dealer didn';t complain at all.

[GCoopS]

Yea appened to me, its a fall back feature, so Chris @ Woodmans told me. Blows the seals to stop to much coolent getting into the engine. Bit of design fault if you as k me, but all sorted now with a new tank & hoses.

[roni]

super cooper

if you have coolant leak coming from the reservoiryou need a new one,,,,,,for sure,,,,