MINI MINI Cooper and S R56 (2007 - ) - 06 1.6 Another one loosing coolant

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Tue 16 Feb 2010 16:20
06 1.6 Another one loosing coolant - dazco
Just before Christmas i was driving the wifes mini when the heater suddenly started blowing cold air and the temp gauge started moving around erraticaly.
upon investigation it appeared that the coolant level was low, took about a litre to top up.
All has been fine but now the level has dropped again .
No Mayo in the oil but coolant does look discolored.
Is this looking like a head gasket failure?
car has only covered 25 k miles, if it is im gutted that a modern car with such low milage and full service history should fail like this.
Car is now out of warenty.
Is there a known problem with theses gaskets? ive read of a few that have failed.
Thanks Daz

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 16/02/2010 at 23:55

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Tue 16 Feb 2010 16:46
06 1600 Another one loosing coolant - piston power
You need the sniff test for the headgasket checking.

A coolant pressure test can check hoses radiator etc, whip it into your garage. asap.......
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Wed 17 Feb 2010 13:54
06 1600 Another one loosing coolant - dazco
What am i sniffin for?
Would a compresion test show that the head gasket has failed.
Daz
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Wed 17 Feb 2010 14:02
06 1600 Another one loosing coolant - Peter.N.
The 'sniff' test is to detect hydrocarbons from combustion, a compression test wouldn't help much as the leakage is only usually very slight, but enough to blow the water out of the header tank overflow. Put a receptical under the end of the overflow pipe, if it fills with water the head gasket is probably leaking.
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Wed 17 Feb 2010 14:37
06 1.6 Another one loosing coolant - Cambridge
There is a common problem with MINIs losing coolant.
It is the thermostat housing that fails after a few years.
Should set you back about £200 all in, at the dealer.

Once it is fixed, don't panic if the coolant level drops after a few days.
They airlock easily so just add some more coolant and it should stabilise at the right level.

Good luck.
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Mon 3 May 2010 10:28
06 1.6 Another one loosing coolant - dazco

Turned out to be the thermostat housing as sugested, cost £180 , thanks for the advice , Daz

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