My coolant seems to have some sort of "sludge" in the over flow tank. I have a 2004 Cooper, March build. This the second time that this has happened. The SA said that all MINI's are having low coolant issues and that there is no rhyme or reason for it.

The first time that this happened was about 6 months ago. They did perform a pressure test and stated that it was fine.

The oil has not turned to a milkshake. I think that I can rule out coolant leaking into the oil, but could exhaust be getting into the coolant somehow?

 

I have had several cars with "sludge" in the expansion tank. I just assume it is some kind of algae. Don't laugh there is algae that will grow in your home heating oil tank!

My 2004 Mini S went from the upper level mark to empty on the coolant tank suddenly one afternoon with no evidence of spillage, early in its life when it got used hard one day. I refilled it with coolant. That was 18 months ago and it has not used any since. It has been run just as hard and hot many times since then. My guess is it needed a good "burp" to get air out of the system.

I had a Chrysler Minivan that had to be "burped" three times after any drain down.

John

 

Thanks for the input.


The first and only issue I've had with my Cooper was air in the coolant system. That time there was a gurgling sound. This time, no sound. Just some sludge and the low level. I'm not too concerned, I'd just like to know what is going on. It's my first new car and I love the thing to death.



I guess if I need to keep a gallon if coolant around, it would follow a little closer to traditional English motor cars.