F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (F55/F56) hatchback discussions.

F55/F56 Small coolant loss then stop cause for concern?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 02-20-2024 | 08:01 PM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Small coolant loss then stop cause for concern?

Hey all,

Just bought a 2018 Cooper S last week and going through some of the maintenance at this mileage (replace battery, belts, spark plugs, and oil). I saw that the coolant was slightly low, below low so I topped it with some distilled water and drove around with the cap not all the way tight - the car went down to low and I've since filled it with Blue euro peak coolant and only had to fill 50ml since then - after 100 miles it has stayed at max. It just came to my head that without any noticeable leaks on the engine block or any notice of smoke from the exhaust could this coolant be in my oil? I only have the infotainment to go off of and it shows max as the oil change was pretty recent, nothing milky under the oil cap or coolant color change (but not sure I'd expect any with a few hundred millilitres of coolant being lost). With the oil being pretty thin already, I am just scared that any coolant will bring down the viscosity

Not sure if this was a result of the previous owner leaving the car sat for a month and possibly the coolant over the course of the entire cars life has never been refiled, according to the previous service records, and me adding water/coolant added to the heater core since the heat is much better which resulted in a small loss after that initial adding.

Here she is; quite possibly the cheapest F56 Mini sold in the US but sorted some of the issues and she has been driving fine otherwise.

Taking ownership of the mini
 
  #2  
Old 02-21-2024 | 05:08 AM
Stu-mon's Avatar
Stu-mon
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 374
Likes: 34
From: central Fl. USA
when I bought my 2015 a few years back, (which happens to be about a dead-ringer for yours) it was delivered with the overflow tank DRY. I topped it off & a couple times after that it was LOW but ever since then NOTHING. so relax & monitor.
 
  #3  
Old 02-21-2024 | 05:20 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
Alliance Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 1,876
From: WNY
I'm with Stu-Mon. Check it over the next month or so when you stop to get gas, and if the level doesn't change, I would probably forget about it.
 
  #4  
Old 02-21-2024 | 07:37 AM
cjv2's Avatar
cjv2
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 314
You may have something going, you may not. Apparently MINIs "do this." However, they also do other things, like develop actual coolant leaks (ask me how I know).

Even with that in mind, still pretty much boils down to watch it over time, see what it does.

At your next oil change, check for streaks of dried coolant, orientation from front of the car to the rear of the car, along the bottom of the oil pan. The oil filter housing/oil cooler housing, which uses coolant to cool the engine oil down, has known failure issues. If it "finally starts to go for real" you won't get much visible tell because the leaked coolant will mostly be soaked up by the underbody panel, and whatever is left will evaporate away on the engine block and oil pan. You can't really inspect from the top, either, because the housing is under the intake manifold. Absent a borescope or disassembly, it's a tough one to be aware of until something happens like the climate control having no heat or... you get the idea.

FWIW, I have been though the oil filter housing thing, as well as some other cooling system items that included pressure testing the system. Tests fine. And yet, every once in a while, the car just vanishes some coolant. The raw physics of it says somewhere in the system there is a thing going on. But for now, who knows what it is. Coolant gremlin maybe
 
  #5  
Old 02-21-2024 | 07:46 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Yep, might have burped itself after a repair. Check it in a week or so and then once a week. Nothing changes, you should be fine.

If not and still dropping in coolant it check this thread out. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...periences.html



As for the purple front bumper, check this out. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...per-cover.html
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
  #6  
Old 02-21-2024 | 12:24 PM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Yep, might have burped itself after a repair. Check it in a week or so and then once a week. Nothing changes, you should be fine.

If not and still dropping in coolant it check this thread out. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...periences.html

As for the purple front bumper, check this out. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...per-cover.html
Yup, I saw this post and have them saved. I was going to do it when it was warmer just for preventative maintenance anyhow (waiting on the metal one, though it looks to be on backorder) - I have the black bumper portion in my cart too :P


Looks like I will just monitor it for a bit, I plan to do some miles here this weekend after changing the spark plugs and belt so it should be a good test. I am mostly worried that the coolant is in the oil and possibly diluting it, but I will try to not lose sleep over that
 
  #7  
Old 02-21-2024 | 12:29 PM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Thanks for the orders.

Its on order, we sold out. More coming soon.
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
  #8  
Old 02-21-2024 | 12:34 PM
cjv2's Avatar
cjv2
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 314
@ECS Tuning what kind of feedback are you getting on the all-metal ones? Just curious. I had to replace mine with the plastic model while the metal one was out of stock, but have remained curious about the metal unit.
 
  #9  
Old 02-21-2024 | 12:41 PM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
On the topic of metal ones, I did see there is some generic brand on Amazon(always a great sign when you can have one delivered at intervals, like a consumable) - but I am curious how much worse the quality of this particular part would be compared to bremmen, not that I'd ever install a Deegooly anyhow


 
  #10  
Old 02-21-2024 | 12:44 PM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
The new plastic is good, I have not heard any issues.
The metal ones are the one and done version. No issues really, quality is just as good as the plastic one if that makes sense. Castings look like Genuine MINI. Its insurance so you don't have to do it again, or if you sell the car the next person will be ok.
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
The following users liked this post:
cjv2 (02-21-2024)
  #11  
Old 10-16-2024 | 11:57 AM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Coming back to this after nearly half a year - drove over 10k miles since and hadn't really had any troubles with the coolant - I've checked it about every month and never saw it drop (even checked it a few days prior to today), however when I came to get something from my car during work I noticed a leak and smell of coolant. This morning was the first morning I required the heater on the car and noticed heat was absent. Going to see why this happened by looking at it after work.

Car took approximately 1/3 gallon of 50:50 Mini branded coolant to get it back to max. Wondering if the heater matrix got empty over the summer when not in use and turning on the heater has some actuator that lives in the engine bay that has a leak or something

 

Last edited by jpsulisz; 10-16-2024 at 12:02 PM.
  #12  
Old 10-16-2024 | 12:26 PM
cjv2's Avatar
cjv2
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 314
Originally Posted by jpsulisz
Coming back to this after nearly half a year - drove over 10k miles since and hadn't really had any troubles with the coolant - I've checked it about every month and never saw it drop (even checked it a few days prior to today), however when I came to get something from my car during work I noticed a leak and smell of coolant. This morning was the first morning I required the heater on the car and noticed heat was absent. Going to see why this happened by looking at it after work.

Car took approximately 1/3 gallon of 50:50 Mini branded coolant to get it back to max. Wondering if the heater matrix got empty over the summer when not in use and turning on the heater has some actuator that lives in the engine bay that has a leak or something
Very interested in hearing what the source of the leak is (if you find it). There are a few of us out here chasing the "F series MINI sometimes eats coolant, and not following any discernible pattern of consumption" ghost (myself included).
 
  #13  
Old 10-21-2024 | 06:02 PM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Looks like I may have been insanely lucky - after a road trip of many thousands of miles, it decides to begin to leak 15 minutes away from home.

I took the lower tray off, and it's pretty evident that something on the front of the engine is causing it, most likely the oil filter housing or that plastic hose connector above it. Most likely tomorrow I will take apart the upper portion of the engine bay to get a better view before I put an order in - not driving the car obviously and thankfully didn't do the oil change.

Photos below show where the coolant has been leaking right below the oil filter housing and that the block towards the front of the engine bay has coolant over it as well as the oil level sensor.





 
  #14  
Old 10-22-2024 | 06:58 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Yep it soaks the belly pan and then the belly pan is trash and starts to bow/sag towards the ground and then rub on the ground/ 51757343141

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cedures-2.html Post #48


 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
  #15  
Old 10-22-2024 | 08:12 AM
FlyingScot57's Avatar
FlyingScot57
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 51
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton FL
FYI, if replacing the belly pan I do suggest getting the ECS tuning Aluminum floor pan. Quality product and will protect from debris and tire treads getting into the car underbody. You do need to remove (same as felt pan) for oil changes and access. I’d also suggest getting some additional white plastic tabs that fit into the frame and the screws hold the belly pan in - they get beat up / brittle and are cheap.

Our cars are low and anything to protect the oil pan and engine area is a positive IMHO.
 
  #16  
Old 10-22-2024 | 08:40 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Yep the aluminum one does give you that protection +1 If you are lowered or on coilovers its a must.
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
  #17  
Old 10-22-2024 | 04:46 PM
cjv2's Avatar
cjv2
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 314
Originally Posted by jpsulisz
Looks like I may have been insanely lucky - after a road trip of many thousands of miles, it decides to begin to leak 15 minutes away from home.

I took the lower tray off, and it's pretty evident that something on the front of the engine is causing it, most likely the oil filter housing or that plastic hose connector above it. Most likely tomorrow I will take apart the upper portion of the engine bay to get a better view before I put an order in - not driving the car obviously and thankfully didn't do the oil change.

Photos below show where the coolant has been leaking right below the oil filter housing and that the block towards the front of the engine bay has coolant over it as well as the oil level sensor.
Sounds like a classic oil filter housing leak. Disassembly will tell the tale, but sure sounds like it. Coolant runs down the vehicle-front facing part of the crankcase, streaks backwards (towards rear of vehicle) along the bottom of the oil pan and dries there, stuff gets on the oil level sensor because it's in the way, you get the idea.
 
  #18  
Old 10-28-2024 | 10:09 PM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Curious if anyone has replaced the 11118511205 engine block connector pipe with this metal one? Figured to replace this while I am in there. I got this one from work and forgot to order the specific Loctite from ECS during my oil filter housing order (due this Wed). Reading online reviews make it sound like this will last a lifetime or only a few thousand miles with the RTV eventually leaking. I had planned to use this with Permatex Ultra Black RTV (what I use on my classic for nearly everything RTV needed) but thinking grey RTV may make more sense, blue, or make a composite type gasket?

No photo description available.
 
  #19  
Old 10-29-2024 | 07:31 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
People really like the dirko gray from elring. Its used on the Gen 2 MINI oil pans. I have seen this stuff work on most applications.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-elring-p...0ml/un1253000/
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
  #20  
Old 10-29-2024 | 08:06 AM
FlyingScot57's Avatar
FlyingScot57
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 51
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton FL
I am curious - the Bremen one uses dirk gray, but you have another (“Rein”) that states includes the gasket (also aluminum). Any feedback on one vs. the other?
 
  #21  
Old 10-29-2024 | 08:26 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35,388
Likes: 2,135
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Rein aka CRP design theirs with a gasket. Its new so we have not had any feedback yet. I know people have used ours with the dirko and its good, no leaks so far.
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
The following 2 users liked this post by ECSTuning:
cjv2 (10-29-2024), FlyingScot57 (10-29-2024)
  #22  
Old 10-29-2024 | 08:33 AM
jpsulisz's Avatar
jpsulisz
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Interesting, do you know if the gasket used in theirs is the exact same as the plastic variant? I see that the gasket shown in the photo of their press release is of the black plastic part but the tab in the photo of the aluminum one would lead me to believe it's the same: https://crpautomotive.com/wp-content...ange_Final.pdf

I'd probably just buy this one if it didn't ship in a month
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
peerware
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
2
08-06-2020 08:10 AM
newminiowner123
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
17
12-20-2013 02:08 PM
sharpstick
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
9
11-19-2013 03:34 PM
scatpack
Stock Problems/Issues
9
09-17-2012 09:52 AM
gizzer777
Stock Problems/Issues
24
11-29-2006 11:10 AM



Quick Reply: F55/F56 Small coolant loss then stop cause for concern?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:00 AM.