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Hey all. I bought an '06 sight unseen from PA about 2 weeks ago. I knew going into this I would probably inherit some issues but I was/am willing to take them.So far, everything seems solid except I have a fairly significant coolant leak.
I popped the hood and I don't notice any coolant up top and everything looks dry around the thermostat area (known problem area I hear). I put the car up on jacks stands and started to take a look around and I noticed steady dripping from around the housing above and between the down tube from the throttle body and the back of what I think is the supercharger? I know this isn't a lot to go on but any idea what it could be? Could it still be the thermostat leaking and the coolant migrating down? It seemed very dry around it when I pulled the intake box off and took a look. I'm a bit stumped and trying to avoid any serious disassembly to figure the leak out. I'd also prefer to fix it myself before I bring it to my local Mini mechanic.
Pic below is of the general area. Hard to get a pic of the exact spot but if you look just below the numbers on the tube, that is where I am seeing the accumulation and dripping.
Hey all. I bought an '06 sight unseen from PA about 2 weeks ago. I knew going into this I would probably inherit some issues but I was/am willing to take them.So far, everything seems solid except I have a fairly significant coolant leak.
I popped the hood and I don't notice any coolant up top and everything looks dry around the thermostat area (known problem area I hear). I put the car up on jacks stands and started to take a look around and I noticed steady dripping from around the housing above and between the down tube from the throttle body and the back of what I think is the supercharger? I know this isn't a lot to go on but any idea what it could be? Could it still be the thermostat leaking and the coolant migrating down? It seemed very dry around it when I pulled the intake box off and took a look. I'm a bit stumped and trying to avoid any serious disassembly to figure the leak out. I'd also prefer to fix it myself before I bring it to my local Mini mechanic.
Pic below is of the general area. Hard to get a pic of the exact spot but if you look just below the numbers on the tube, that is where I am seeing the accumulation and dripping.
My car does same as well. is your coolant dripping around front in the middle? do you see coolant around oil pan as well?
Please check mine. I currently replaced water pump (used one) and flange and o rings and hose however, it's still leaking... it drips only when car is warmed up.
Looks to be the same spot!. If it's not, it's very close. I have the same residual as you as well. I hooked up a pressure tester to mine which is how I found it.
Last edited by Tyler Trembley; Apr 6, 2019 at 06:30 PM.
Looks to be the same spot!. If it's not, it's very close. I have the same residual as you as well. I hooked up a pressure tester to mine which is how I found it.
Haven't found the source yet. Hoping for some leads from this post!
The R-53 usually leaks around a warped thermostat housing & the silcone type gasket; which usually shows coolant on the tube next to the throttle-body. Also, coolant leakage from the O-ring between the engine block & water-pump which requires removing the front bumper assembly & radiator support.thumbsup:l .
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about changing the thermostat and housing just to be sure, and they'll probably need it anyway sometime soon. I'll try those and see if it corrects the issue. If not, I'll try the O-ring.
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about changing the thermostat and housing just to be sure, and they'll probably need it anyway sometime soon. I'll try those and see if it corrects the issue. If not, I'll try the O-ring.
If you decide to do the waterpump , make sure to carefully inspect it for signs of leakage ie: coolant residue and if replacing use OEM BMW/Mini parts .
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about changing the thermostat and housing just to be sure, and they'll probably need it anyway sometime soon. I'll try those and see if it corrects the issue. If not, I'll try the O-ring.
