Hey,

Some of you may remember my earlier post on my MCS overheating because of a busted coolant resivior. I took it to my dealer, and they replaced the resivior. Today, I was driving it again, (not for the first time) trying some high RPM starts. I looked down at my temp guage, and my MINI was overheating again. This time it didn't leak any fluids, and it didn't smoke. I checked the resivior, and it was still at the same point as it was when I brought it back from the dealer. I am going to take it to my dealer on Monday, but until then, do you have any suggestions? Thanks for all of your help.

 

Quit driving like that, your gonna break it.

 

If you have no leaks then I can only suggest the usual suspects:

Thermostat
Radiator obstruction
Fan clutch (had that fail on my old starion)

I'm probably forgetting something but that is what I would check
Good luck

 

We have been thinking that it is the thermostat, because it only happens when we are long lights or in traffic. thanks for your help. :smile:

 

Maybe whoever filled it didn't do it
properly and the system has air in it.

 

> Fan clutch

LOL. You're really dating yourself there cdconsor.

Jabrams: my guess is the fan as well, just without a clutch. When this happens again, first crank the heat, drive 'till the temp's down to a safer 3/4 range then jump under the hood and see if the fan on the back of the radiator is running. It should be very loud and windy -- can't miss it. Just be quick!

 

>>Hey,
>>
>> Some of you may remember my earlier post on my MCS overheating because of a busted coolant resivior. I took it to my dealer, and they replaced the resivior. Today, I was driving it again, (not for the first time) trying some high RPM starts. I looked down at my temp guage, and my MINI was overheating again. This time it didn't leak any fluids, and it didn't smoke. I checked the resivior, and it was still at the same point as it was when I brought it back from the dealer. I am going to take it to my dealer on Monday, but until then, do you have any suggestions? Thanks for all of your help.

2 suggestions:

1: it's spelled reservoir

2: if your reservoir is fine and you are not losing coolant, one possible issue is a faulty gauge, which has been a problem in some cars (including mine):
the temp gauge needle does not always return to the point where it disappears below the bottom edge of speedo. If it stays 'stuck' in a higher position, then this difference between the bottom edge and where the needle is when car is off gets added to the readout, even while the temp is perfectly normal. The solution to this problem is a new temp indicator gauge, which requires replacing the speedo portion of the dash.
So, check the needle position when the car is off. If it does not disappear, then you have a faulty indicator gauge.

Cheers,
Markus

 

When this happens I do turn on my heater, and I do get some speed, to cool it off. But when I do it goes from the top of the gauge, to the middle (where it is supposed to be) in less then 10 seconds, what would that make the problem be?

 

You say top of gauge. Does the red temp warning light of the gauge also come on, or is it only the needle that is at the top. Is it exactly at the top?
Have you checked the fuse for the radiator fans?

 

The red light does come on, and I have no idea of how to check any of this stuff on the MINI because the engine is cramed in there.

 

From the fact that it happens when you are stopped or slow, it definately sounds like the fan isn't working. Try just idling in your garage for a few minutes after having driven and warmed the engine. The gauge should sit exactly in the middle and never change. If the temp goes up, your fan is not working. Maybe you have the early model with the power steering fan that blows the fuse controlling the radiator fan? Search these forums for more on that topic if you are not familiar with it.

 

>>The red light does come on, and I have no idea of how to check any of this stuff on the MINI because the engine is cramed in there.

I'd say if the light comes on and the gauge reads high, then it's not a gauge problem, it's definitely a temp propblem. Whenever that happens, turn off the engine right away and do not drive. You can only drive very short distances with a cold engine before it heats up, to avoid damaging your engine. Have it taken back to dealer!

As posted by others, problem could be:
thermostat, fan fuse, plugged lines.

There are two fuse boxes in the MINI, one under dash on driver side, the other inder hood next to ECU box, which is next to intake box. See owners manual. I do not know which fuse is the fan fuse, but you could just check all fuses.

 

The MINI dealer said that I should turn the heater on full blast, and start to drive fast, because if I turn off the engine it will "work" it. I will call them again on mon, not drive it until then.

 

I'm with MINI USA. I've passed this message on to a MINI National Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon, or if you prefer, you can call us at (866) ASK MINI.

 

Hooray!!!
Good to know MINIUSA is keeping tabs on MCO.

Thanks MINIUSA for giving some reassurance that MINI does care and that our voices are heard.