I've had a coolant leak on my 03' R53 for the last couple of weeks, and decided to dive into it tonight. As far as I can tell, it looked like the leak was coming out of the thermostat housing...what a pain to get to that thing! The housing and gasket looks fine, but I'm guessing that after 19 years and 195K miles.....it's done pretty good.

I didn't see anything else that looked wet, so I'm assuming that's where the leak was coming from. I'm assuming I should replace the entire thermostat housing along with the thermostat and gasket?

I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything so I don't have to get in there again and do it all over.

Thanks!

 

It is a common leak area. Yes replace the housing and the thermostat.

 

Watch a Youtube video on replacing the thermostat housing on a Gen 2 Mini. It will make you feel MUCH better about the Gen 1 job.

 

Just changed mine, go with an aluminum housing. Will outlive the car.

 

Yep

DIY: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rmostat-430896

Most people just go with the metal one.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/11537596787/

 

Hey @ECSTuning . Ordered two kits. One for my dad and one for me. The first thermostat I put in my car started to not close after 2 days. What should i do. I put the other one in and it works just fine.

 

If you get a thermostat that sticks, check it first to make sure it was stuck,. And not something else in the cooling system, like junk or a piece of gasket
Boiling hot water and throw the thermostat in it and see if it moves. Then pull it out into cold water, If it still does not work contact our customer service. Let them know and they can get a new one out to you.

Every one in a while we might see one that sticks. Even on the wahler factory MINI Genuine ones.