This may be an issue of first-timer ignorance but either way could use some quick advice. I changed my oil yesterday, moved the coolant tank as pretty much required to change the filter, then on the test run it boiled/leaked everywhere. Usually when it's cold the coolant level is roughly halfway up the tank since I've gotten it. So this morning I filled it to that point as it was empty and started the car again to see if it still leaked. By the time the temp gauge said it was up around 90 the coolant bottle was full and there was a leak underneath again.

1) Is it typical for the bottle to fill more when it's running? It's not something I've thought to look at during a drive yet.

2) Is a leak/issue common after an oil change or could something have happened with the hoses or connection points?

Hopefully I can get it sorted in the next hour. She's supposed to get new brake pads put on this morning. Thanks!

 

pretty easy to dislodge the hose connection on the bottom of the tank

and then the system can't pressurize and you'll spew fluid

 

So try to take it off and reseat? That's the point I was figuring got jiggered if you will if any did. I had no leak issues prior.

 

There were issues with one of the hose designs used on the expansion tanks, MINI has since revised the part to stop the leak from occurring.

Having a small leak from the line while doing an oil change isn't abnormal, but if the leak persists then I would look into it.

 

Thanks. Might see about getting that bottom hose replaced then when I get the first flush & fill done, if this is fixed.

Fingers crossed it may have been the metal clip on the hose on the bottom unclipping a bit on one side. I took the hose off and re-attached, clipped both sides down. Other than that it may require more of a fix than I can get to at the moment. >.<

 

No luck. Looks like I'll be taking it to the shop. ��

 

No don't, this happened to me. I took my Mini into the dealer last year to replace my thermostat housing and a week later my coolant tank had the water level up to the top of the coolant tank, anyhow I wasted $150 diagnostic fee when all it was is a bad coolant tank cap ($40) . It started with very little water/steam around the outside of the cap, then would drip down off the coolant tank. The air escapes allowing the coolant to rise to the top of the coolant tank.

Replace the cap before taking it in!

 

Every time I have had to move the coolant tank for an oil change,the hose moves and a little coolant leaks out.
Make sure the hose and clamp are on correctly.

 

I was wondering about that, as I've had a bad radiator cap on my old Sundance Duster. It won't be going to the dealer though, it's a local shop a lot of MINI folks go to. I'll talk to them about that before they get into it and see what they say if that's it. Thanks for the input.

 

I always get a few drips of coolant when moving the tank out of the way for oil changes, my tank is so dirty inside I'm just going to replace it and the plastic elbow.

 

Well, seems it was the cap-originally. It also led to an air bubble by the thermostat that needed to be burped. But I, in all my wisdom, used regular green coolant to top it off. I usually check manuals first but it never struck me the coolant might be different. So it caused everything to gel. Had to replace the thermostat and have the whole thing flushed. Ah well, planned to do the thermostat at some point anyway. :p

In the process also confirmed my engine mounts are getting weak, hopefully the NM inserts will help some there but not 100% sure talking about the same thing. Also found out there are 4 updates for the computer modules, and that the slave cylinder has a small leak. The battery is also apparently the original one so will need replacing soon.

Thing I'm most perturbed about, since I'm aware of my penchant for operator errors, is that the MINI dealership in Denver didn't tell me about any of the stuff the shop here had come up when they checked it out. I'd think maybe it was the shop pulling something but some of it I was at least suspicious of already and a number of the local folks use them so going to put some trust in the group mindset.

 

Whats the name of the shop? Is it in the Springs?

 

Yep, in the Springs. I can PM you the name if you'd like.

 

Yes, you can pm to me.

Thanks