Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Coolant Cap Leak with a Twist

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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 08:52 AM
  #1  
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
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Coolant Cap Leak with a Twist

As the name implies, I track my car. Continually get coolant expelled from the cap after a session but not in normal driving. Have replaced tank and cap twice with no improvement. Car does not overheat even in July/Aug at VIR. No oil in coolant. No coolant in the oil. Am I just overfilling the tank? Any suggestions?
 
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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 09:18 AM
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The cap is designed to let coolant escape if the pressure gets up above the oem rated limit (usually about 16 psi for most caps).
If you're getting the coolant pressure up this high during your track sessions, which can certainly happen, some will escape via the cap.
If the cap is the only place where coolant escapes, it means the rest of the cooling system just passed a pressure test.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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I have the same issue. Part of it is caused by the heat from the header. Just
Bought a Canton tank and cap. Sent to Swain Tech for thermal barrier on tank.
This should take care of the problem.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jpavlo
Just
Bought a Canton tank and cap.
This ^^^
 
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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 03:07 PM
  #5  
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NC TRACKRAT
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Thanks, folks! Really appreciate the feed-back. Will do some thermal barrier-ing and consider the Canton tank as well. (Is this a great place or what?)
 
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Old Mar 5, 2012 | 04:57 PM
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^^^You've said it. I've gained so much more knowledge and ideas from this site it's truly amazing.
A big thanks.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 03:44 PM
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Coolant Cap Leak with a Twist

Another thing to consider is that you may be overfilling the stock tank.

The proper coolant level for the stock tank when cold is the coolant should just cover,
or be level with, the top of the fins on the bottom of the tank.

I stopped having leakage issues when I lowered the level to the top of the fins.

Hope this helps...
 
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