50 replies to this topic

[M0U5EY]

To be perfectly honest, I don't think I have the tools to check all of that, is Josh J W Mini Services? Might give him a ring in the morning and see if he has time/space to do it...

[Merryck]

Yeah, that's him. He's on here as well.

 

What tools do you have? To clear an air lock you just take the radiator cap off and let it run for a while, so you could at least rule that one out?

[M0U5EY]

very little, jack (no stands), ratchets, some spanners and screwdrivers etc but nothing like drain pans, hoists, impact guns or the like. As for the airlock, would that occur after it has just been refilled etc by the mechanic? Also, just asking for knowledge not doubting you but what could the airlock cause? Just not allowing the coolant to flow?

[Itsaminithing]

You buy a replacement block because the old one MIGHT be cracked.... if that doesn't work you buy a replacement head because the old one MIGHT have had too much skimmed off.... if that doesn't work you buy a new thermostat.... etc,etc,etc!

 

Take it to a Mini specialist one with extensive knowledge of Minis including the MPI. (Some parts that are fine for most Minis are not correct for the MPI eg fitting the wrong thermostat).

[Merryck]

Basically yeah, sometimes when you fill up a cooling system a little bubble of air gets stuck and stops things flowing properly.

 

Just take the radiator cap off and let it run. If it bubbles then there was air in the system and it's working it's way out.

 

Also those tools are plenty to switch out a radiator, flip a fan round and replace a water pump. These things can be daunting but the only way to learn is to get on and do it!

[M0U5EY]

Ok, will check the airlock now, to be honest, I think we will give Josh a ring tomorrow and see if he can take it and do it properly

[Merryck]

Let us know if it helps at all!

[Chris.Williams]

Quick question, but how common is it for a block to crack?... I've owned plenty of minis, never had that fault, plenty of faults, but not a block cracking,......is it an MPI thing?
Sounds like you, and your mini need some professional help from someone schooled in classic minis.

[DeadSquare]

A role of blue paper towel it is very handy for finding leaks. Put some pieces around the area of the suspected leak and under the car with the radiator cap off and look at it in the morning.

 

If you can secure the paper so that it does not get sucked through the fan, even better, you can run the engine gently with the radiator cap on to build up a little pressure which will make the leaks more noticeable.

[M0U5EY]

Hi guys,

Looked for an airlock and saw nothing suspicious, while I was there took a video for you all to see what I'm playing with here, and yes I know its a mess!

 

[DeadSquare]

Hi guys,

Looked for an airlock and saw nothing suspicious, while I was there took a video for you all to see what I'm playing with here, and yes I know its a mess!

 

 

 

When you get the chance, paint the engine bay and the relevant parts of the sub frame white.   At times like this, it makes it much easier to see water marks, oil leaks and find anything you drop by mistake.

[M0U5EY]

As much as that sounds like a good idea, I think a white engine bay in a blue car wouldn't look quite right...

[nicklouse]

sounds fine. i would say your best bet it to take it to someone who knows Minis. your expansion tank looks a bit over filled by the way.

[Allrounder]

Most work shops will have a co2 combustion tester which will identify a failed gasket/cracked block or head.

[Retroman]

Its more likely that the head is cracked rather than the block

 

As it had been over-heated the head should have been pressure tested, do you know if it was ?

 

It could also be a stuck thermostat which is a simple fix, was it renewed ?