Coolant..................lack of

[steveo89]

;D Wahey well in a way I'm on more than I'd like recently.

Popped back home from uni in the mini. The journey back and around bexhill was fine, getting passed southampton and the temp rockets up. I pull over to find NOTHING in the rad at all. I checked before i set off and it was full.

Now its like a sieve and won't hold anything. I can't see where it's leaking because of the rain over here.

I left it overnight, having filled it up again, and now tis empty!?!?!?!

I don't know if its the hoses or if its more likely to be the rad itself? anyone had similar problems? worth trying a new set of hoses??

[Stephen]

You need to find out where the leak is first before buying new hoses as it sounds quite severe to be loosing so much water overnight

[steveo89]

Yeah i know!!! I've had a look and taken the top hose off. That seems fine. I've disconnected the bottom and taken the radiator out but there isn't anything too visible.

There is a hole right at the top near the filler neck. Its in the lip around the top of the radiator.
Not sure if that is it? wouldnt have thought that the water would be able to DRAIN out of the top?!?!?!

Really confused!

Would anyone think it worthwhile replacing the thermostat and waterpump whilst I'm at it?? just as a matter of course??
;D

[monkeyjim]

Dont just start chucking bits at it .
You will be better off spending your money by going to a garage and getting them to pressure test the system . Will take less than 15mins labour . A pressure tester is a effective bit of kit we use regularly for finding leaks. If its that bad it will be found quickly .

Its not got lots of white smoke coming out of it or water in the oil .......... headgasket poss if thats the case.

[steveo89]

No white smoke and the usual mayo, under the oil filler cap, is absent.

Yeah I had never even contemplated that, luckily there is a half decent looking garage just around the corner so could even push it!

I just meant that if they do I.d the leak and I can do the work myself, with the radiator off would you think replacing them is worthwhile? not sure how consumable a thermostat and waterpump are?

[Stephen]

You could do but I wouldn't waste your money if they are working ok. It's not difficult to move the radiator should you need to change the pump later. Can't see why you'd need to change the thermostat unless it's overheating / taking ages to warm up

[Kris James]

i agree with jim have it pressure tested then you no were you stand

[AntMan]

You mean dave not jim lol

Ant

[steveo89]

Thanks for all of your help.................again.
Pushed it to the garage around the corner. They did a pressure test and checked the head to see if there was any hint of head gasket on it's way out.

Fortunately it's fine and the cause of the leak was a knackered water pump and by pass hose.

Was looking to get them of minispares, best bet??? I'm not touching minisport. They're proper useless!!!!!

Thanks again ;D

[monkeyjim]

Why do you want to buy parts that are on the shelf at the local motor factor from Minispares......... no need .

There is a motor factor in most towns that will have a A series pump in stock , if not they will get one in and as they order from suppliers daily it will not cost you carriage as it would from a Mini specialist .

Eastbourne and Newhaven has Autolec. There are Unipart, AJAY and CPA motor factors in Eastbourne ,Hastings, Lewes , Brighton . Ebc in Uckfield and Brighton , the list goes on .

Don't forget good old Caffyns , I am in the trade and use all companies mentioned daily. Its the Hailsham Caffyns branch you need to call for Mini bits , however some parts are more expensive and seeing as some will come in Unipart boxes you might as well go straight to a Unipart Motor Factor who are located Nationwide..

Some numbers for factors are posted in the Recommended shop section of the forum.

Oh .... by the way , the factor will be able to supply the by-pass hose too . They will supply re-inforced suitable hose off the reel and just ask them to cut a few inches off that will fit the pump . Dont buy the soft rubber flexy concertina type bypass hoses as they are not long term fixes and as good re-inforced pipe is readily available there is no need anyway.

[Deleted]

hehe i seem to remember a certain "club mascot" with a similar problem couple of years back.

A few beers, a torch, and was all fixed by 3am ready for 300 mile trip home next day lol.

Daz

[oldgit]

Steve you sure you got a bypass hose
Thought yours was a more modern lump

[steveo89]

Yeah it is a later engine, but it's one of the last of the 'old' type. I got the radiator, alternator and water pump of yesterday arvo.
So i'm doing better than usual, just waiting for the parts to turn up now. managed to get a deal with a local parts supplier to get them in, so just waiting for the call. Only thing is he definately sold me the flexi rubber bypass hose. Didn't realise it was any different until i got the radiator off.
I'll be off down again to get him to cut me off some to replace.
Just your boggo standard kevlar style rubber hose i take it!?!?!

Thanks for all of your help again guys!!!

[monkeyjim]

Just re-inforced hose off the roll will do. Doubt it will be kevlar .
You will need some lube to get the bypass on .

Sure you can see why the flexi is no good now , they are thin .

[steveo89]

Done the job today, got it all in and the car started.

Just about to drive it and can't get the clutch pedal down ONE BIT!!!

It's the last thing i need..............................but in all fairness i thought that it all went together far too easily lol!!!

Any suggestions as to that? seriously considering jumping off my roof

Steve