Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem?....After a few days of driving, I have to fill the coolant resovoir back up. Never see any puddles, but I can see where a few drips have hit the shield underneath it. The resovoir tank will be empy and I have to add coolant back to it. Never had any overheating issues but I can't tell if the leak is coming from a line or the tank it's self. BTW...it's an '03 MCS

 

As far as I know the first two years of production had this exact problem.
They then changed the expansion tank to a different type and that solved
the issue.

 

just take it to the dealer and they will replace it. It is commom on the 03mcs. It leaks at the seams when under pressure. I just got mind replaced last week under warranty. No question asked.

 

i had mine done too it's an 04. but it's at it again so i ordered one from seven enterprises for 140.00 . no not cheap but better than 225.00 at mania.

 

I really don't understand why it had to be a 2pc designed tank With today's techology you would expect seemless I'm looking at this www.canton.com tank

 

My tank has also been leaking for a long time. My warranty just went out, but I wonder if they will still replace it like a recall item?

 

I had the same problem on my '02. The replacement tank has not had any trouble.

 

The 02's leaked like crazy. Even if you have to buy one from Mini the new ones should not be that expensive.

 

I have an 2005, and I replaced my radiator hoses with Alta ones. My reservoir tank is constantly empty. At first I thought the hoses were leaking, but after inspecting everything, nothing drips and the system is full and doesn't overheat. The tank is just always empty, I'm thinking it has a leak.

Does anyone know how to tell? I never see any drips coming off the tank or accumulating under the car, its the strangest thing

 

Maybe you have a leaking headgasket and you are leaking your coolant out the exhaust... does it smoke?
Maybe you have a leak you just can't see because it all blows away when you drive? You could try some leak detector. Try the local auto parts store.
Good luck.

 

i'll try the leak detector, but I don't think its an internal problem. engine is strong, runs normal and doesn't smoke... plus its not losing fluid from the radiator itself as far as I can tell

 

xizor: When you refilled the coolant, did you open the bleeder cap in the front hose? Did the Alta set come with the bleeder? Otherwise, you may simply have air in the hoses and it slowly working itself out to the reservoir? This reservoir thing hoots. I went for the MiniMania $225 tank, ended up buying the plastic replacement from the dealer to keep the car on the road while I waited 2 weeks on the polished aluminum masterpiece. It's on the bench looking good while I wait for a local mini owner to need it. Seems a waste to get it dirty by installing it. Maybe I'll install it next spring when I get that "it needs more shiny things on it" mod mood.

Oh, for those who wonder. Go out at night, start the MINI and let it get to running temperature, then hold a flashlight against the reservoir. You'll see why the seams failed, likely on the side opposite the inlet hose.

 

the alta set uses the stock bleeder valve, and i've bled it to be sure. fluid comes out of the valve immediately, so no air in there afaik.

 

Well, keep looking for that leak. You shouldn't be losing any and the reservoir should remain at the same level under normal conditions.

 

I have an '03 MCS and my coolant tank leaks reguarly - I top off the tank at least once a month. The coolant seems to be leaking towards the top portion of the tank and solidifies white. I always forget to mention that to my mechanic when I bring it in for service... now I'll write it down.

 

I had the same issue
and didn't want to replace it with another the same, so I now have the Canton.
I liked that option it is still a closed system, but if a overheating issue does happen the cap should be the point of pressure release instead of a hose, a gasket, or...

A few points:

Don't forget you will need a HIGH pressure radiator cap (Morroso #63328 is what I have, 27 to 29 lbs) The local auto store probably won't have it.

You do have to remove the cap to check level.

A little bit of trimming right near the mounting bracket may be needed for a good fit.

 

www.livermoreperformance.com/mini_tanks.html

!!! $89 don't forget the cap 30 lb Stant from Livermore performance is $22

 

one of the vendors i think it's mini parts .com or something has um for 25.00

 

look at the heat shield under it . if it has wet green sh$t on it it's leaking.

 

Mine was replaced 3 times when I was under warranty

 

I found my leak, it was in the hoses connected to the water pump. More info here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...23#post1204023