I've looked at the other related posts on leaks, but wasn't able to find an answer. My coolant res keeps drying out (white one on my 02). I can't quite tell where it's leaking, but based on the garage floor, I'd say it's close to the res. How do I get under the res to see if it's leaking there?

Also, since I've topped of the res a very times, I have started to hear sloshing behind the dash, so assume I need to bleed the air? Any DYI for that?
THANKS!

 

The expansion tanks on the early models were prone to leak; look there first.

 

I just got through changing the coolant reservoir on my R53. It was leaking at the tank seam. Before I changed it out, I put the car up on ramps and removed the front air dam. This allowed me to see all of the hoses and bottom of the radiator. Between that and the top, you should be able to trace the leak. Now this is the part that I'm not sure of due to the differences between an mc and mcs; there is a bleeder screw on the top hose near the left side of the radiator on an mcs. I'd venture to guess you should have something similar. Back the screw out about halfway (there is a groove along the screw to relieve air) while the engine is running. Close it when coolant comes out steady. Repeat a few times, and you should have the air out.

 

THANKS for the info. It seems to be leaking just under the air filter housing, but I can't tell where it might be. I see it's wet on the top of a metal plate just below and back of the air filter. I have a CAI and it's just under/back.

 

I just traced my coolant leak. It is the thermostat housing, gasket, and the fluid would run down the block to the top of the tranny along the backside to the bottom of the tranny housing where the driveshafts come out. I would have a quarter size spot on the floor every morning. Drove me nuts trying to trace it because everything seemed dry. Maybe you could check yours out too.

Has anyone else had the gasket spontaniously start leaking?

 

Thanks, I have to look some more, but it seems to be just below the air filter..thanks for sharing!

 

I just had my MINI in to the dealer for that.... leaking. They replaced the gasket....said the former ones were paper like gasket but now they replaced it with a silicone one..... Glad it's still under warranty...... artmamayellowmini..now it's blue