Hi All,

What I thought was a leaky water pump has turned out to be a leaky radiator. The lower corner on the passenger side of the car has a very slow leak that drips every 5-10 seconds.

Does anybody know where I could find a step-by-step how to on replacing the radiator?

Also, any thoughts on aftermarket vs. OEM?

Thanks!

Trent

 

Not sure if the aftermarket has caught up with the MINI yet, so you might be stuck going OEM, which is not a bad thing overall. Replacement is not too difficult, but it does entail removing the bumper cover, the bumper itself and swinging the 'modular front end' open to access the mountings and to allow clearance to get the radiator out. There are two electrical connectors that supply power and control to the fan on the left side of the radiator. These need to be disconnected along with the two hoses. There is no drain **** on the radiator; removing the lower hose is the only means to drain. Once the radiator is out, transfer the fan/shroud assembly to the new radiator then reverse everything for reassembly. Be sure to purge the air from the system while replacing the coolant by opening the air purge valve, close the valve and start the engine. Open the valve periodically to purge air then close it. Once the engine has warmed up, crack the valve slightly to allow more air to escape, closse the valve and allow engine to cool. Open the cap and add anymore coolant that is necessary and repeat the purging process until there is no more air. Check the level in the overflow bottle and adjust if needed.

 

You might try this site and others listed using google...sometimes radiators can even be repaired depending...Maybe you can find one aftermarket with a DRAIN plug! Also a junk/salvage yard may have one from a donor mini that was rear ended!
http://www.radiator.com/mini-radiato...FRL1Ygodn18dpw

BTW for simple air purging I use a Uview Airlift tool....Most effective! Consumer version is the Ulift II and can be had for under $80 using google....you will need a compressor though which every good Mini wrencher has in their garage! This thing creates a vacuum in an empty radiator (thru the Mini recovery tank ...must be empty though) and then with the flip of a lever...allows automatic refilling without the air problems! I just used its big brother (borrowed) ...the Vacufill, to purge, flush. and add new coolant to my Brown coolant 04! Most effective and easy....not a drop was spilled!!
www.ulift.com

 

Thanks all for the info and the resources! It seems quite easy to do!

Thanks again!

Trent

 

Go with a PWR radiator. That's what I'll be using. You can pick one up for around $450. Who wants to replace items with STOCK parts?

 

Does it have a drain? Has to be better built than oem

 

Um...good question...I'll check around.

 

and I'm sure they can mount a drain if one isn't on thier Mini radiator.

Matt

 

Sounds like my kind of company!