I'm sorry if this has been hashed and rehashed by now but I couldn't locate a thread on this specific question.

I'm noticing a lot of white crusty residue around the seams of my coolant reservoir and on the silver heat shield below. I see no active leaking and the level appears to be ok.

Is this how the bad reservoir problem manifests itself? Do I need to get in to have it looked at *now* or can it a little while (2-3 months) till I have to go in for service anyway?

My car is a 4/04 build with about 7k on the clock.

Thanks!

 

If level is OK and there is no signs of potential blow-out, I'd say that you will probably be OK to wait until the next scheduled service.

How far away is your dealer? Remember, its still a crap shoot.

 

Mine had the crust starting at the middle seam of the tank, and on the heatshield below. It didn't loose much, but I could see & smell it. I haven't heard of anyone having massive loss or complete failure, just seepage at the seam. I would just check it often & not fret too much - get it fixed when you can.

 

The reservoir problem was with the 02’s. MINI has done a replacement of all the old or faulty coolant tanks as people came in to their dealer for service or complaint. I’m not saying you may not have a problem, but a 04 MINI has the new type reservoir installed.

The old ones would separate around the middle where the seam was and yes you would see a white chalky residue. I would go to the dealer and have it exchanged for a new one.

 

[QUOTE=sndwave]The reservoir problem was with the 02’s. MINI has done a replacement of all the old or faulty coolant tanks as people came in to their dealer for service or complaint. [QUOTE]

You know, that's what I thought too. But I described what I was seeing to a co-worker who has an '02 and she said that's exactly what she had and it was in fact a faulty reservoir.

Interesting--I'll let y'all know how it turns out. I'm close to my dealer and they're good about loaners so I might not let it wait till the 10k service.

 

I have had my coolant take replaced twice. This last time I believe they put the newer one on. DON'T WAIT!!!! One time I was almost out of fluid. Which is easier to replace the tank or the head?

 

I'm on my 5th water reservoir bottle - the last one being replaced just last month. My 3rd bottle split completely at the seam. Car went nuclear real fast . Forturnately I got it over to the side and shut down without incident. If you see residue get it replaced ASAP.