Since this being the only water cooled car I've ever owned (in 40yrs); I try to be vigilant as best I can.
Today I discovered rust in the coolant/system. Nope - not oil. Rust.
I think it obvious it's time for a major flush.
Although I had my radiator, coolant system flushed and new water pump replaced about 4years/25k ago. (Never any overheating issues in 19.5years) but my radiator has some unsightly dents all over the cooling fins- (Thanks Mini dealer and indie mechanics - *sarcasm*), the radiator is original ('04 OEM), to the car. I am looking to replace it (No leaks. Just aesthetics). I am on a budget and really can't afford a fancy high-end rad. Any recommendations?
As long as I'm n the subject of flushing the system - Any recommendations for good reliable, affordable pressure bleeder.? (wondering if I can rent one from O'Reilly?)

Keep in mind, I am a $broke$ novice with no experience.

 

I don't know if it's the right way to do it, but when I did a full exchange on my Audi, I just did a bunch of drain-and-fills with distilled water, running the water pump in between. Then I worked out about how much full-strength coolant I needed to get the proper ratio on the last fill.

 

This is the tool I bought:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...l/003466sch01/

Worked great filling the cooling system on my Clubman

 

Thanks.
That's a good/fair price.
Although, while looking at it - I knda get how it works(?)...
I just hope it comes with instructions for guys like me who have never had a water cooled before

 

It is very easy to use, and it does come with instructions. You can also review the instructions here before purchase:
http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...Purge_Tool.pdf

 

You thank the MINI dealer and indie techs for the radiator fin dents but you need to thank the indie shop (can't believe the dealer techs did this) for filling the system with plain water.

Given there is rust sign a flush with just plain tap water may not be sufficient. You might have to buy a chemical radiator flush that more aggressively will loosen any sediment and help keep it suspended so it can flow out when the system is drained.

Also, in using a chemical flush you may have to do more than one flush with tap water to get the last vestiges of the chemical out of the system.

Replacing an otherwise good radiator with some bent fins -- that are insufficient in number to affect air flow and thus how well the radiator functions -- is not something someone on a budget should be doing.

Save the money to afford a drain/refill of the cooling system with fresh coolant every 4 years to keep corrosion at bay and to prolong the life of cooling system components besides the likes of the radiator and heater core things like hoses, seals, gaskets, o-rings

 

Yes. It was the same "5star rated" BMW/Miniindie garage who preformed the clutch replacement, hydraulic flush/bleed (problems we had discussed in an earlier post), and coolant system flush. Lesson learned = I will be taking my Mini to WMW for jobs I cannot handle working in an apt parking lot.

Good advice. Thanks.

Well that's my choice. Although, "budget" is a subjective word; prices with regards for standard Mini radiators are all over the board. Ranging from $60 - $200 and the somewhat debatable, aluminum (e.g: Mishimoto) ones priced from $90 - near $500.
I should clarify by asking what other member's have had good results in purchasing and # of cores one might suggest for the money. To my point - I've should've stated my "budget" which is in the $200 range. Although I have no idea in terms of quality/reliability that could be expected at that price.

Again good advice on preventative maintenance.