Coolant Level Low

[mini_81]

Hi, Just doing general checks under the bonnet and found my coolant level is low, Do I require special coolant or can I top it up with a water antifreeze mix??

Is there any know leaks or issues with the coolant system, should I be worried or is this normal???

Many thanks
Dan

[mab01uk]

Use a long-life ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix antifreeze water).
Thermostat housing is a common leak weakspot.

[spf]

Other common areas are:

- split coolant header tank
- split seams or hole in radiator.
- drop due to air in system (you would hear gurgling in the footwell if this was the problem).

[mini_81]

Cheers guys, have got some and have topped it up, will moniter over the next few 100 miles. It could of just settled, there has been no patched on the driveway but the car is fairly new to me still and still 'cherished' so would rather a fault now in a odd kinda way.


Oh and sorry its been moved... still learning

[appmacguy]

Having the same problem with my R56 Cooper (just over 1 year old) and wondered what anti-freeze you got and from where?

[mini_81]

BMW stuff. Comes in a 1.5lt bottle that you mix to your required strengh.

[p0jy]

where is the thermostat housing on a 2002 Mini Cooper, I have a small leak somewhere

[cristo]

It's on the transmission side of the cylinder head, just under the radiator cap.
If you remove the air intake and the battery box, you'll get access to it.
Here's a picture - it's #10.
RealOEM.COM * BMW R50 Cooper WATERPUMP - THERMOSTAT
Mine has a slow leak (a couple ounces a week). Ordered some parts, and will
get it fixed soon, hopefully before it gets worse.

[Vandalay Industries]

do you mix the antifreeze with normal tap water or should the water be distilled or de-ionized or anything fancy like that?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vandalay Industries (original)

do you mix the antifreeze with normal tap water or should the water be distilled or de-ionized or anything fancy like that?

You should mix it with distilled water.

[Porn_Star]

Quote: Originally Posted by spf (original)

Other common areas are:

- split coolant header tank
- split seams or hole in radiator.
- drop due to air in system (you would hear gurgling in the footwell if this was the problem).

With regard to the air n system, how would you solve this?