Coolant reservoir acting strange - MINI Cooper Forum

Tourquemada999 · #1 (**permalink**) Nov 1st, 2012, 11:46 PM

Hello, I was wondering if someone could give me a bit of advice. I am not a mechanic and know only a little about the inner workings of cars. I have a 2004 Mini Cooper. About a week ago I noticed the engine fan stopping on for a few minutes. Checked water levels and saw where quite low. No ever heating or low water alarms though. Over the last week the water reservoir seems to be emptying but no other symptoms. Had a local mechanic look at it and he couldn't find anything wrong. Everything seemed to be working ok. Then yesterday after a short journey I checked water again and nothing in the tank. Started engine and heard a really weird noise and gushing water, checked the water tank and it was full! Is this normal? It seems like the coolant is getting stuck in the pipes and then getting dumped back in the tank intermittently. Any thought would be welcome. As you can imagine I a bit disconcerted with the situation and worried about driving the car until I know it's ok. Thanks

mab01uk · #2 (**permalink**) Nov 2nd, 2012, 09:53 AM

When the coolant level dropped too low, air or an air lock got in the cooling and heater system which is the gushing sound you can hear........the air needs to be bleed out asap and the source of the leak traced or overheating will damage your engine/head gasket......leak is probably thermostat housing or lower bottom corners of radiator which are often common leak points on Mini's.

Tourquemada999 · #3 (**permalink**) Nov 2nd, 2012, 07:28 PM

Thanks very much for the reply. Gonna have a go tomorrow at locating the bleed valves. I think I.m going to have to get it looked at by a garage but reluctant to go to mini dealer for obvious reasons. I just don't trust them. Any tips on trying to localise the leak?

Bohoflo · #4 (**permalink**) Nov 2nd, 2012, 07:46 PM

Hi - Have a look at my link on the second generation bit I've had problems like this with my 2007 Cooper S. Please check for air locks and have the thermostat housing and water pump checked, so you don't end up in my predicament. I broke down with no overheating warning lights and now need a complete new engine. Someone has recommended fitting a Scan Gauge 2 that keeps a check on engine temperature, that might have helped in my case. Hopefully, you wll have a better outcome.

mab01uk · #5 (**permalink**) Nov 2nd, 2012, 11:55 PM

To try to localise the leak put a sheet of clean cardboard under the engine while parked overnight night and see if it drips and where from......failing that a garage pressure test but even that may not show up a slight leak, look also for stains and residue of leaks around the engine bay, radiator and hoses, etc. Also check interior carpets for damp from heater matrix leaks.
Bleeding links here:
Solving MINI Cooling Problems.......... - Forums