Leak in engine cooling system

[PeterModin]

Hi.

This winter I have expreienced a leak in the cooling system on my MINI COOPER -05. The workshop out the system under pressure but didn't find any problems. However, I'm filling up the bl...dy system with approx. 1 dL (whatever that is inUS/UK measures (anyway it's to much)) of water each week

I was told by a BMW workshop of a MINI -07 that wasw run dry (of water) and had to replce the engine head.


Anyone?

[oldnell]

I had a leak (refilling the header tank from empty to max once a week) and my dealer also did a test and told me that they could not find a leak.

Second time in, they found the leak. It was the radiator. Every so often, I'd started noticing steam rising from the bonnet when stopped at traffic lights.

It may or may not be the same on your car, but this is something you will want to get sorted. In the meantime, keep a very close eye on the level.

Oli

[Jinkster]

Is your coolant bottle under pressure when you release the cap?

If so - could be head gasket problem - i have had the same thing go on my 1D! :-(

[georgemac]

My daughter also has an 05 mini one and I have topped it up twice recently

Is this covered under the 3 year warranty? I will try and identify the leak before I take it in.

[chris@LloydBlackpool]

Hi,
Ask them to check the thermostat housing,look around and under the housing to see if it is damp or any water (antifreeze) has dried and left a green/blue stain,
Chris

[georgemac]

Had it into the local garage today to save a 95 mile round trip to the main dealer. They cannot find any leak but I have been topping up the coolant continually.

Just came back on here and see it is a very widespread problem.

Am off out to look at the coolant expansion tank and around the thermostat housing.

Thanks

[georgemac]

No sign of any leaks around coolant expansion tank or thermostat housing.

Looks like will have to book it into the main dealer and get them to check it out - hopefully under warranty.

[georgemac]

It went in to John Clark in Aberdeen yesterday. They found a leak on the thermostat housing, but they cannot get spares as they are on back order in Germany. The car has to remain in the garage, they are trying to sort out a loan car for us - not sure if their insurance will cover my daughter though.

[georgemac]

Went in today and picked up a Mini Clubman loan car. The service person told me he had 3 minis with the same fault as ours waiting on spares from Germany, and in the UK there are 1500 mini's waiting on new thermostats - so will not get the car back probably until end of next week.

Have to also say thank you Chris, you were spot on with your diagnosis.

Like the changes to the dashboard in the new mini, still cannot bring myself to like the clubman though.