Coolant tank empty - need help ASAP

[jaynlisa08]

I've just noticed that my coolant tank was empty - car hasnt over headed or anything so ive bought some from mini and mixed it as per the manual.
filled it up and went for a little drive and then opened the valve (the one with the black lid that you cant take off and got air out of it which is close to where you put your oil in). done this 3 times until no air was left in it.
is there anything else i should do or have i done as i should.
just want to make sure.

Thanks

[Mess]

there could be a leak or a serious problem. I had a similar issue not too long ago and had to had the thermostat housing replaced and also something else which I can't remember.

I took it straight to the dealer and had it all repaired. Had no problems since.

[jaynlisa08]

yeh - but to be honest it hasnt been serviced for 20k miles so probably that has something to do with it???
and i mixed up 2 litres of it and its only taken maybe a 500ml - so maybe got it just in time?

let me know

[Mess]

that may have something to do with it. It may be that there is just a small leak from the overflow bottle to the engine on 1 of the rubber hoses.

Try keeping an eye on it over the next few weeks and see how it goes. I do know that some of the minis require a top up every so often.

[jaynlisa08]

oh thats good news - nice to know that there are people around to help. i havent bothered with the servicing since 50k miles tlc thing, but have keeped on top of brake fluid, oil, etc but totally forgot about the bloody coolant.

just i cant justify paying the bmw prices... a old mate ov mine work for bmw and he said if you going to keep the mini - then just service it youself.....

so might try and keep on top ov it abit now!

[mab01uk]

Why not buy a Haynes MINI Manual and service it yourself or use a cheaper Independent Garage but don't neglect, especially oil / filter changes (for 20K+) or you will pay more in the long run................

[MINIMANIAUK]

Sounds like you have a cooper/one - the cooling system is not pressurised on the cooper/one ,thats why you have a flip cap on the header tank and not a twist off cap.
Being unpressurised the coolant temp is controlled by the thermostat ,if this goes above 102 degrees the fan kicks in to add cooling to the radiator.
Water boils at 100 degrees ,so why does not the water constantly boil away?given the fan is set to over that- because the coolant is not pure water,it is mixed with anti freeze that raises the boiling point over 100.
Over time the anti freeze/coolant becomes diluted and has less effect,thats why there is a coolant change done every few years,to maintain the mixture and keep the boiling point high,
Most owners neglect the servicing after the TLC (minimum level) and the coolant reduces its boiling point and loses quantity ,again most owners simply top up with water further diluting the mixture and increasing the rate of coolant loss.
Eventually the system boils over ,air is sucked into the system,and the engine overheats,at this point the owner gets concerned .
The excess pressure caused by the overheated coolant find the weakest point to escape usually the thermostat /housing and it continues to leak from now on.
Regular coolant changes and testing removes the problem , and provides a long lasting system.

[jaynlisa08]

oh that brill guys, been out all morning and car is fine - coolant staying on max thanks!

anyone know anything about adjusting windows? and getting door cards off?

[milkeyjack]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mess (original)

there could be a leak or a serious problem. I had a similar issue not too long ago and had to had the thermostat housing replaced and also something else which I can't remember.

I took it straight to the dealer and had it all repaired. Had no problems since.

where did you take your car? having nightmare finding good mechanic.thanks

[XRV848]

Sorry MINIMANIAUK, but the Cooper/One cooling system is pressurised, but it differs from the Cooper S in that the expansion tank is outside of the pressurised system. The pressure cap (the "radiator cap") is located in the gap between the engine and the air filter box. This is where you should add coolant when filling the system, but heed the warnings about not removing the cap when the engine is hot. Small amounts of coolant will be lost due to evaporation as the expansion tank is not sealed and this can be topped up at the expansion tank. The level in the expansion tank will vary with engine and ambient temperature and, after changing the coolant, the level may go down over a period of a few days as any residual air is released from the system. However, a continual steady loss of coolant indicates a problem and needs to be dealt with before more serious consequences occur.

[Mess]

Quote: Originally Posted by milkeyjack (original)

where did you take your car? having nightmare finding good mechanic.thanks

I was under warrenty at the time so took it back to the dealer and they sorted it out. It was the thermostat housing had a crack in it.

Sent you a pm as well.

Andy