Overheating and head gaskets

[pkelly]

Help!!...i have not owned a mini before and dont know about common issues.

I have a 2004 Cooper with 50,000 miles on the clock.

Recently the engine overheated and boiled out the coolant. I have now had a test done which indicates that the head gasket has failed leading to mixing of coolant and gasses. Before i consider replacing the gasket, i was wondering if there could be a more simple issue which could lead to the same problem of mixing in the coolant system?

My other thought is whether i should be replacing other elements of the coolant system along with the head gasket?

finally, can anyone suggest and indicative cost for the work.

Thanks in advance.

[The Nun]

If theres evidence of combustion gases in the coolant then theres only one real source and thats the head gasket unless theres a crack in the casting?
You could do a pressure test on cooling system to confirm this, this is normally how a garage will check it.
It would be best to flush out the cooling system whilst youre doing the job to remove the contamination before refilling with fresh coolant/antifreeze mix.
Also when the head is off and you will need to check the overheating hasnt distorted it, if so it will be necessary to get that reskimmed too.
Someone I know had the head gasket done on their little Rover hatchback a month ago, that cost them £500 more or less.

[mab01uk]

The original cause of the overheating also needs to be found, ie. leak, radiator, thermostat, water pump, air lock, heater matrix, fan, etc? or it could happen again.
Solving MINI Cooling Problems.......... - Forums