As I pulled into work today, I noticed a large amount of steam coming out from under the hood. There was also coolant on the ground. I assume it's the radiator at this point.

As a quick fix until I can get it replaced, is that radiator stop leak ok to use?

 

I would not recommend the stop leak stuff as it can clog other items up and might not fix the problem.

I would check multiple things before pointing to the radiator. Its good to check it also. The leaks can be traced to three main locations, see link below. Also don't drive your MINI as you might overheat the engine and do more harm, did the engine overheat light come on the dash?

Here is a thread with picture of the three most common areas. Look there first, then look at the radiator. If you have pics post them up and I might be able to trace it down.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ure-light.html




Thanks

 

Thanks! Unfortunately, not driving it is not really an option. Thankfully, no overheating lights came on, and it's about 34 degrees outside. I'll park it when I get home and check for leaks. I'm going have a co-worker drive me to get some coolant on my lunch break.

Thanks again!

 

Could also be a hose or hose clamp...I would not drive it after topping off until leak source is positively diagnosed.

 

Also check to see if the overflow tank is leaking. Mine had a crack on the bottom, and this is right next to the radiator (so it may look like a radiator leak).

Generally, behind the passenger front wheel is the water pump, if you see blue/green on top of the transmission (under the air intake hose) it is the thermostat. Both of these are common leak areas.

What year is your car, and how many miles?

Mike

 

I'll check these things. I don't think it's the water pump. It seems to be leaking from the very center of the front bumper area.

2007, 95k miles

 

If its the very center front and its not the rad, its might be a leak in the lower rad hose. The clips can break and the lower hose can pop out and almost touch the ground, or it could have been damaged by something on the road. Other then that check the lines around the oil filter heat exchanger. which is on the front of the engine near the center ( more centered toward the driver side.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-rad-hose.html

#8 is the lower hose.




Do you have an 2007 R56 Cooper ( Non S ) or Cooper S ( Turbo) ?

Thanks

 

Turbo S.

 

Thanks , yea the pic above works for that model. Just wanted to make sure.

 

FYI, if a car has no coolant or too little it can't read the temp. Pepper, as in reg old from the table pepper will seal pin holes and not trash the rest of system.

I would never ever put stop leak in anything I owned. A rental, ya who cares.

 

Clips #11 are found broken quite often on the lower hose.

Also, if you have had the Coolant Temp sensor hose recall performed in last 6 months the black anodized split metal clamp at the base of that retrofit hose can be an issue if not seated on the hose properly.


And remember not to mix coolants. Only use green with MINI blue, and I would not use the newer multi purpose type....

 

I've been using Zerex G-05.

 

It's phosphate free so aok.

If close or over 30K miles since last flush, good time to do it

 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w...326_164205.jpg

 

Looks like the heat exchanger or the gaskets going into the oil filter housing from the heat exchanger. Check the hose lines there also. The gasket seal the oil and the coolant. There are also a set of hose at the top where it points close to the bolt #8 in the diagram.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...leak-pics.html


Follow the Cooper S / JCW set up.




Thanks

 

Just started getting in to it. Man this thing is cramped.

 

ECS, you were right. It's leaking around the bottom right of the heat exchanger. What/how much will I need to remove to replace them? It looks like most of the turbo assembly.

What else would you recommend replacing during this process?

 

You are welcome. Its usually the oil that leaks in that location which points to the seals. But it can happen for the coolant also.

Do you have a pic ? Its either the seals or the heat exchanger itself. Most likely the seals.

To get to the seals, you have to go from under the front end, Down pipe comes off as well as the exhaust clamp. Then the shields , then the oil filter housing itself. Replace the seals. You don't have to remove the turbo or anything like that. You will need to add or change the coolant , oil & filter change also after your done , as well as keeping things clean around those connections. Its a bit of a job to do , but it can be done.

See the linked thread above for all the other items to check while your there like the oil lines for the turbo. Replace both seal sets on the housing since you are there.

Thanks

 

So I finally got the DP off tonight. Here's a couple photos. I honestly can't tell at this point:

 

You will have to look at the very bottom bolt of the oil filter housing. You can sometimes see it around the heat shield the back right there with the bottom support brace for the turbo. You are close with that pic , just have to get closer to the oil filter housing base.

Should see the leak around there.

 

Finally got it all back together the other night. Thanks ECS for your guidance, you were right, it was the seals on the oil cooler!

 

Awesome, glad I could help.