I am planning to replace my coolant tank because there is bit leaking. I purchased the aluminum tank from Amazon. Once i replaced with new one, do i have to put same color of coolant? I think mine is blue..? Any recommendation?

 

Use any good extended life coolant. you shouldn't need much I only had to add a few cups.

 

You will find as many opinions on coolant here as there are members. There are those that say if you mix the wrong type coolants you end up with jello, something I have never seen any proof on. The biggest issue with coolant is whether your radiator has soldered joints as the new OAT coolants will corrode the joints something we don't need to worry about with MINIs.

The BMW coolant is blue which I think is the same as Zerex G48, more than one MINI owner is using Zerex G05.

If you find somebody with jello in their car have them send a couple of pictures in . . . .

 

I stick with OEM, safer. In the scheme of things a few dollars extra.


Pictures of jello, not mine but http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/cooling/cool_121.htm

 

On the article link, the first thing that caught my attention was the comment "Do not mix OAT antifreeze with Ethylene-Glycol antifreeze." IMO the writer is not that well informed as OAT is in ethylene based coolants. OAT is an organic acid additive for corrosion protection. Copper radiators that have soldered connections cannot use any OAT type coolant as it will dissolve the solder joints, remember it is an "acid."

The question I have for the pictures is the goo/jello a result of the mixing or rather a result of not flushing the system on a regular basis and using tap water instead of distilled water.

 

Is it okay to use bmw one?

 

Yes, either that, or the MINI branded version.

Zerex G48 (also blue) is to BMW/MINI spec, and can be found at local parts stores. Just don't use the green stuff. Also be aware of whether the coolant you end up with is concentrate (you add distilled water to make up 50/50) or pre-mixed (50/50; ready to use) versions

BTW, this would be a great time to do a complete coolant drain and replace, which should be done every 36-months; appx. every three years.

 

MINI and any aftermarket Blue coolant we sell. Just make sure its mixed 50/50 with distilled water and you are gtg.

 

I bought this one on Amazon but i don't know what the red circle one is for.

 

For the canton racing one its for pressure. PDF: https://cantonracingproducts.com/ima...ons/80-272.pdf

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...xpansion_Tank/

 

I only use Pentofrost NF # 8114117 or MINI OEM.

You can buy Pentofrost NF just about everywhere. I got my last few bottles at O'Reilly.

 

If you want to see Jello in a Mini cooling system, find someone who accidentally put Dex-Cool in. It's the only real No-No when it comes to what to use.
If you're doing a complete flush, any quality antifreeze mixed 50/50 will work fine, but yes if you're mixing, might as well try and match it.

 

Stay away from DEXCOOL. It will gel up the inside of your motor's waterjackets. Only really good on GM cars.