Two weeks ago I got yellow engine light. Dealer towed 180 miles, replaced the thermostat sensor and towed 180 miles back home friday.

I had them drop it at the office and after work I drove it approx. 3 miles home where I noticed a row of drips behind the car up the driveway. It seemed to be coolant but I just decided they must have left some under the car.

Next day I drove it about 5 miles and the hot engine light came on as I neared home. I parked it and the fan ran hard but not really a long time.

I opened the hood and the expansion tank is empty and green liquid on a few places under the tank. I removed the single bolt holding the tank just to inspect and the connection on the bottom of the tank will rotate and even rock a little.

I removed the spring clip and it looks like the clip is supposed to seat in the grove on the tank fitting so I guess it was on right all along.

Is there any thing else in that area that would leak coolant? I'm thinking tank just because the tank is empty but the car still seems to have enough coolant to be cooled.

I was going to fill the tank and see if I could discover anything but the manual says to only use "special coolant".

This is all warrenty work so would you make them tow it 360 miles round trip?

Is Mini coolant the stuff that will kill my dog?

Thanks
DaveJ

 

I've topped off as needed with good old Prestone on my MINIs and those of friends who've needed help - no ill effects.... 50% solution with distilled water (or buy the pre-mix 50%)

if it were me I'd put a simple screw type clamp on there - I replace any spring with a screw type once I have reason to play with them. And no, a dealer has never told me I voided the warranty because I did it.

 

Thanks Capt. I'll get a jug of Prestone and see if I can tell exactly where it is leaking.

I hate to see them have to tow it 5 hours if it is something I can fix in a few minutes. They probably deserve to pay the tow bill but in the end it just makes my next Mini cost more.