I've already purchased silicone coolant lines for my N18 Cooper S (not installed yet).

Has anyone ever replaced the OEM plastic pipe joiners with metal ones?

 

I haven't done it but, I have the parts to replace the one on the coolant tank. I am tired of sucking out anti-freeze to do an oil change so I purchaed a Tee to put in with a valve on the bottom, a hose extending to the bottom of the car to dump the antifreeze before I do an oil change. I was tired of always spilling some when I removed the coolant tank.

Everything I am using was found at Lowe's and is designed for hot water setups. I would have to check it but I think 350 degrees. Most of it is brass also.

BTW, did you get the entire silicone hose kit? I have considered one on E-bay but haven't pulled the trigger on it.

 

The kit I purchased has 8 hoses in it.

 

This is off the original topic, but on a stock N18 Cooper S you don't need to remove the tank or coolant to do an oil change. The factory procedure is to just remove the screw holding the overflow tank, unclip the tank, and bend it out of the way to access the filter. It's a bit tight but not that hard.

I've found the bottom fitting will sometimes leak a few drops of coolant while you're manipulating the tank, but it won't keep leaking once you put it back in place.

 

I triied it that way once. There just isn't enough room for my hand and the filter coming out or going in. Much easier removing it. Thanks for the suggestion though.

BTW, this is the kit I am considering.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30426733896...Cclp%3A2047675

 

14 hoses!

I'm sure most of the hose kits sold in the UK are a maximum of 8 hoses.

The MINI parts diagrams only show 8 hoses, so which other hoses are being changed?

Shame no one makes a metal thermostat housing and aux water pump. I've also go an aluminium crossover pipe to be fitted too.

 

Yes, bend the coolant tank right up to the point where the plastic on the T feeding it is brittle after years of heating and cooling, then the damn thing snaps. Coolant all over the place, and you have to buy the molded piece that goes all the way to the turbo.

'Now I take the the Air box off and the air intake tube from the front and get at the filter that way.

Cheers!

Dan

 

That is another reason I do not like "pulling it back. As tight as it is, it is something just waiting to break.

I will have to try the intake tube, haven't done that. Thanks.

 

That coolant overflow tank has a quick release fitting on the bottom. Syphon out the fluid into a clean bucket, remove the holding screw, pop it back to remove the quick release fitting, and pull the tank out. When done, pour the fluid back in, and top up if needed. It makes getting the oil filter out TREMENDOUSLY easier.

 

That is how I do it currently. It still leaves coolant in the line after you disconnect the quick release. Trying to get away from that.