Please help - MINI leaking coolant - video attatched

[stevenj0hn]

Hey guys, this is my first post as I only just joined today - used to use a Classic Mini forum but now I own a BMW MINI.

Anyway, I have had her for about 2 years now, no major problems. I like to keep the car as simple as I can, no interest in tuning etc...mainly as I have no idea or the cash to do it.

I have a coolant leak. I think this has been ongoing for some time as thinking about it I have always noticed how quickly it depletes...but never literally seen any physical leakage until now.

It came to my attention when taking my car for a service and MOT.

Cost me £600 as they replaced radiator due to that leaking, new break discs, lamps, labour etc. Amazed they didn't notice this....then again I should have noticed it myself to be fair.

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you guys could share any thoughts on what/where this is. Bad news? Simple repair?

I'm taking it back to the garage where I had it service tomorrow, but I am just curious...and concerned.

YouTube video of said leak here:-

(please add the youtube address first - i cant submit links due to Forum rules)

/watch?v=mOZxI223Uno&feature=g-upl&context=G2845fc3AUAAAAAAAAAA

[mab01uk]

Can you describe the leak also?.........don't have access to you tube at the moment.

[stevenj0hn]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Can you describe the leak also?.........don't have access to you tube at the moment.

I will try as best as I can.

The leak is dripping out under the car, not sure exactly where but there doesn't appear to be a hole in the anti-freeze/coolant tank, just red fluid flowing onto the floor.

I believe it is worse when the engine is running.

[pedro3178]

Just to help mabo1uk , i watched the youtube video, its not just a small leak! its spraying out! , there is coolant all over the ground and you can see it pouring down!

In my opinion it wouldnt take long before you had no coolant left!

[stevenj0hn]

Thanks for reply.

Yeah I know its looking nasty. I am sure I would have noticed it before. Only really noticed since getting it back from my service and MOT from Halfords.

They changed the radiator but surely they should have noticed this.....

My concern is if it ALL leaked out last time I topped it up, and it's been running with no coolant for some time...the engine hasn't overheated though.

:s

[pedro3178]

Quote: Originally Posted by stevenj0hn (original)

Thanks for reply.

Yeah I know its looking nasty. I am sure I would have noticed it before. Only really noticed since getting it back from my service and MOT from Halfords.

They changed the radiator but surely they should have noticed this.....

My concern is if it ALL leaked out last time I topped it up, and it's been running with no coolant for some time...the engine hasn't overheated though.

:s

Hey,

They would 100% noticed a leak like that! they would have had to drain the system then refill it and bleed it proparly aterwards so a lot of time spent with your head in the engine, from the amount coming out makes me wonder if a pipe as came loose? but i am no expert, i would say that needs a garage asap , if its not far then i suppose you could top up the coolant but if it is then i wouldn't drive it with such a leak.

[stevenj0hn]

Quote: Originally Posted by pedro3178 (original)

Hey,

They would 100% noticed a leak like that! they would have had to drain the system then refill it and bleed it proparly aterwards so a lot of time spent with your head in the engine, from the amount coming out makes me wonder if a pipe as came loose? but i am no expert, i would say that needs a garage asap , if its not far then i suppose you could top up the coolant but if it is then i wouldn't drive it with such a leak.

I'm hoping it is just a loose pipe with the amount I recently spent on getting it done.

:s

The garage isn't far. I am taking it there tomorrow.

[pedro3178]

Hey,

It could be something as simple as a bleed valve not closed proparly , since been on here i have found out that some mini are prone to coolant problems but not like that! normally you can't see the leak and they are hard to find, once that is up on a ramp it will only take seconds to find the leak with the amount coming out!

I know how you feel with spending money to get yet more problems! i am in the same sort of possition myself. Hope you get it sorted mate and someone has just made a bad mistake with a pipe clip!

[mab01uk]

Hi, I'm also a classic Mini owner of many years!

Now seen your video........I would guess a hose or bleed valve has come loose, take it back to the garage, hope its not far, don't drive it anywhere else! If/when you drive to the garage top up the coolant tank, fill also at the yellow engine pressure cap if empty. water will be fine for now. Take some more water with you to top up if required but on no account let the engine run without coolant or if any sign of overheating occurs. Also don't release the pressure cap if hot!

If you have breakdown recovery use them to tow/transport you to the garage as the rate of coolant loss is bad enough to damage the engine/headgasket.

Let us know how you get on.