If you're using a MOTIVE Power Bleeder to change your brake fluid, you can also use it to pressure test your coolant system since the thread diameter and pitch on the coolant recovery tank is the same as the brake fluid reservior.
After installing, just pump up the MOTIVE tank to 15 lb. and watch the needle. If the pressure holds you're fine. If not, first check to be sure that the cap on the recovery tank and the bleeder are good and tight. If they are, you've got leak somewhere in the system that needs tracking down.
p.s.: After changing coolant, using the MOTIVE bleeder will dramatically shorten the air purge process without even starting the car. Just attach the MOTIVE bleeder to the recovery tank, open the bleed screw on the hose fitting at the front of the radiator and pump the MOTIVE a few times. Remove and check tank, top up coolant and repeat until the tank level doesn't change and coolant is coming out of the bleed screw. You may want to check coolant level again after running the car up to temperature and allowing it to cool.

 

I just noticed my coolest level is dangerously low and the engine temp gauge is standing up straight as an arrow! How do I "fill it up properly" with the correct amount of coolest and water, or do I just fill it with coolent up to the posted mark on the side of the coolent reservoir?

 

Excuse me "coolent" x 2!

 

Hank-If your coolant level is so low that you're overheating, then you have a leak somewhere. DO NOT drive your car until you fix it or have it fixed! Otherwise, you are in danger of blowing a head gasket and/or doing serious damage to your engine! It could be something as simple as a cracked thermostat housing or leaking hose....but get it fixed!

 

Hank-
Don't drive until you re-fill and check, then get it fixed. If you do, you could blow a head gasket or do serious damage to your engine. Let engine cool, then open reservoir cap carefully. top off coolant to the baffles inside the reservoir with 50-50$% BMW/MINI approved coolant and distilled water. Turn on heater, open bleed screw on top hose in front of engine, start car witrh cap off, keep filling as reservoir goes down until coolant comes out of bleed screw. Tighen bleed screw. Watch reservoir. If coolant keeps going down, you have a serious leak. If not, replace cap, but keep an eye on temp gauge. Go get pressure tested and find the leak!

 

Understood NC thx much for the quick & comprehensive response!

 

NC I do have another 2 questions:
1. Is the "bleed" screw that black plastic cap on the top of the coolant hose that runs along the top of the radiator? The "slot" for inserting a screwdriver is "X" shaped
2. Will a gallon of coolant be enough when mixed as 50/50 with distiller water or should I get 2 gallons?

Thanks again! Hanks

 

Hank, here is a good how to
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ant_Change.htm

 

Hank, yep, that's the bleed screw. Be careful when backing it out or taking it off. Don't lose it and don't let the o-ring seal fall off. 1 gallon of coolant will make 2 gallons of 50-50% mix. That should suffice. Just buy 2 gallons of distilled water. That way, if you need more, you can just add the water. It's o.k. to have less than a 50-50% mix. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the suggestion on using the Power Bleeder.
Wish I would have thought of it a couple months ago when I change the coolant. What a pain to get all the air bled out.

 

Thanks very much NC fixing this problem will be priority one tomorrow!

 

And thanks to Braminator for the article link, very helpful. What I'm going to do us get the system filled up with the 50/50 solution than immediately drive it directly to my Mini dealer for a full inspection tomorrow.

 

 

I wanted to get back to everyone that talked me through the coolant problem I was having earlier in the week and say thanks. I followed NC's instructions and also read through Braminator's link. I definitely had a small leak coming from the rear of the engine compartment. At first I thought it was the expansion tank leaking, but that couldn't be, cause I just had the expansion tank replaced last August. So after bleeding and refilling properly I felt confident I could get to my Mini dealer fast enough before any problems occurred. The bad news is the leak was coming from the expansion tank but the good news here is the leak was comming from the expansion tank which was still under warranty so the dealer replaced it free of charge and they vacuumed and washed my car too! Problem solved, thanks everyone!

 

Great to hear good luck and motor on.

 

Ah, good old BMW/MINI quality control! Glad it was nothing more than that. Shows how important it is to periodically check all fluids.

 

http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed...atech/bleeder/

Just posting my $20 DIY. Bleeder project.

Far more fun than the Motive unit.