White smoke from vents...

[BMcG]

Hi Guys,

Had a bad day today!

I have a 2005 JCW mini and i had to do 2 short trips today

1st trip i got a chipped windscreen

then on the 2nd trip a burst of white smoke came through my air vents and upon rubbing my hands on the windscreen it came of with black liquid

Im guessing this is very bad news for me....

Anyone had it happen before or anything similar.

[MiniDeLux]

Was there any smell associated with the smoke?

First thing that comes to mind would be a problem with the climate control/air-con.

However, I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "black liquid" on the windscreen. Are you implying oil or soot residue?

On the other hand, if the white smoke smells like exhaust you may have exhaust leaking into the engine bay.

Can you provide more information?

I wouldn't worry about the chips, my Clubman is an absolute target for projectiles. It's got two massive dings on the roof above the windscreen, another ding on the rear driver's side roof, a penny sized chip out of the windscreen and it's been hit once on the bonnet by an empty cardboard box that flew off a utility van on the motorway. I think these things just add character but they cost a little bit in patch-up paint!

[BMcG]

Cheers mate,

Ref the liquid that may have been a false alarm i wiped it again and it was just liquid super quick panic from me

I have been doing some scouting around and found a few threads and posts that seem common to what i have and the common theory is the heater core?

I also found a puddle in the passenger footwell

So potentially this needs replacing!

My question is i tried mini mania for the part but it seems they are shipping from the USA!! so not up for that i did find this though

ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-MINI-z-Heater-Matrix-Radiator-Core-/350484996797?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& hash=item519a88a2bd]Mini]Mini MINI _z Heater Matrix Radiator Core | eBay MINI _z Heater Matrix Radiator Core | eBay

Just trying to find out if thats what i need and then how hard it is to replace it

[BMcG]

Im hoping thats it tbh i dont think i can handle another large bill for this car

[BMcG]

And i just noticed the url didnt work so will try again


Mini MINI _z Heater Matrix Radiator Core | eBay

[MiniDeLux]

Puddle on the floor definitely suggests heater core. You sure the entire core needs replacing or have you just got a leak somewhere? Hopefully you're checking coolant levels.

Never had to replace a heater core, so I can't say if it's a relatively easy DIY. Maybe someone else can chime in on this one...

Expensive little buggers out of warranty, aren't they? In under three months, I've already racked up about €2700 in repairs on mine.

[htspike69]

Check the expansion tank, the caps get weak with pressure. may not be smoke but steam coming through the vents near the windscreen.

[Eirik]

For a temporary fix...........

Radiator Leak and Heater Core Repair_AlumAseal ...

[mphumes]

Hi

I have been reading the threads regarding the white smoke, this is exactly what is happening to mine but there is no leak in the foot well?

Anyone think it could be anything else

[thedentist]

I had the white smoke with my cooper S, turned out the coolant expansion tank had split and was leaking onto hot engine parts. Have a look around the join of the expansion tank and see if there is any residue. I believe you can get an improved metal version.