Blown head gasket?

[benrayner100]

Hey guys. I have an 05 MCS with 48k on the clock.

Over the past few months I've noticed the coolant level dropping to almost empty about every 4 or 5 weeks. I occasionally get a gurgling noise which I believe is a slight airlock coming from the water pump. I also cannot see any leaks anywhere around or underneath the car or any milky discharge from anywhere in the engine bay and there is no bad smells coming from inside the car when the heater is on and the windshield on the inside doesn't steam up when it's turned off.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Could this be a blown head gasket? If so I'm guessing it's a costly job, anyone experienced how much it would cost?

Thanks.

[Hartge220]

It's possible that the expansion tank has a split on the centre join (they are known for it), fairly cheap fix if it is.

Could be worth getting one anyway to be safe, hope it's not a head gasket though mate.

[benrayner100]

Theres no visual sign of there being a leak as I'm assuming there would be white patches over it where it has dried up, the expansion tank is as clean as. I shall have to get it checked

[Hartge220]

Doesn't sound like it then, mine had a few marks on it when it went.

Hope you can get it sorted without it costing too much

[mab01uk]

Check bottom corner joints of radiator, they are a common slow leak point but difficult to see and detect in situ.
Check the expansion tank pressure cap or renew if any doubt.
Check around thermostat housing, they can distort and leak.
Place sheet of cardboard under engine area of your Mini while parked overnight and check for drips and if so their position next day.
The coolant can be tested for exhaust gas contamination by any good garage, to see if the headgasket had blown across a waterway.

[Tabintab]

Not sure if you have checked this, but u need to take the oil filler cap off and examine it & maybe the odd vent pipe & look for milky oil.

Quote: Originally Posted by benrayner100 (original)

Hey guys. I have an 05 MCS with 48k on the clock.

Over the past few months I've noticed the coolant level dropping to almost empty about every 4 or 5 weeks. I occasionally get a gurgling noise which I believe is a slight airlock coming from the water pump. I also cannot see any leaks anywhere around or underneath the car or any milky discharge from anywhere in the engine bay and there is no bad smells coming from inside the car when the heater is on and the windshield on the inside doesn't steam up when it's turned off.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Could this be a blown head gasket? If so I'm guessing it's a costly job, anyone experienced how much it would cost?

Thanks.

[tinkerbelle]

My 57 MCS has done 38k. Had morning rattle and the timing chain replaced. Has been eating oil but no outward signs of problem. Garage said nothing wrong because i do a lot of mileage and oil consumption normal but now 3 months later I have piston 1 misfire, DSE superknocking and dealer says my head gasket is blown. Its just out of warranty. What the heck is going on?