Did a coolant flush for a friend's 03 MCS with 34K on the clock.

Had never previously been touched.

I was absolutely SHOCKED at what I found.

What could have caused this? The drainage was not sludgy at all, very clear, but just completely rusted out. I wonder if the original coolant mix was off (too much or too little water??)

New coolant is all nice and blue!!!

Click on the pics to enlarge.....


Initial drainage





AFTER 10 FLUSHES!!!!!!





Upper radiator connector



Whatever you do, do NOT disconnect the two 8mm bolts that hold the plastic hose on the radiator to drain the system. I thought it would be easier than shoving a clamp to disconnect the hose (on jackstands) but I was wrong. Much easier also if you take off the bumper cover.

So the plastic piece on the hose connector broke at the hole, which in turn caused me to keep on turning the bolt to screw it in, which in turn forced the nut right throuh the plastic. This, of course, required the purchase of a new radiatior ($350).



The good news is it only took about 30 minutes to put the new radiatior in. I couldn't believe that it's only held in by two plastic clips!!!

Here are some pics of that install.

Old radiator out





New Radiator in



Also the radiator fan is only held in by two clips and two support brackets. Came off in 2 seconds and snapped right into place on the new one. The clips are about 1/4 of the way up on either side....



Oh and to top it off the car had a REALLY dirty air filter! Yuck!

 

Anybody else have this rusted brown coolant? I've heard of milky brown coolant which I had in my 04 MCS...but not like this!

 

When the rust and corrosion inhibitors in the coolant are consumed, then the rust begins. Apparently this happened... just one more example of these long term service intervals not living up to the claims. At two years, I'm going for the green stuff.

You can get coolant test strips at good auto parts stores and check the acidity or corrosion protection of your coolant.

YD

 

MINI requires it to be changed every 3 years, which isn't long term. My last Ford required changing the coolant at 6 years (was done at 5 and was still in great shape). The owner of this MINI waited about 1 year longer then recommended.

 

Yo's dad - I'll be sure to pick up a couple of those strips.

ADelOreanGuy, I think the recommended service interval is FOUR years for coolant according to MINI....which is when my friend decided to change hers.

I'll be sure to change it every 2 in my cars.....

 

I was told the recommended service is to change it every four years. I will now make sure when I flush my brakes, I flush my radiator so I never have this problem again.

 

thanks for the info...

 

According to the 2003 owners manual, it's every 3 years. Attached is a screen capture of the PDF on page 97.