13 replies to this topic

[SamuelR]

Ive read on line that if there is no coolant fluid in the radiator then you should drain it, flush it and clean it?? Also can I just use a normal engines coolant oil in it? 

[RedRuby]

Sam a little confused as you used the term oil in connection with the radiator. I think what you mean is anti freeze. If there is no antifreeze in the radiator or you are not sure how long it has been in it, it is better to change it. Drain the system, it is a good idea to flush the system through, then refill with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.

[s3swiss]

When you buy the anti-freeze (also cooled 'coolant') - get the 'green' stuff - not the 'red' or 'pink' stuff.

If you are new to all this car jargon - well worth investing in a copy of a Haynes workshop manual for the mini. You can get second-hand copies on ebay that will do just fine. They contain lots of general car ownership info (weekly checks, pre-mot checks, fault-finding guides) and are great to keep in the car for advice away from the internet.

[myredmini]

Blue is ok too

[gazza82]

Don't use tap water if you live in an area where your kettle furs up. Use deionised or distilled water to mix the coolant.

[SamuelR]

The thing I'm on about is just above the radiator, are you sure that goes in the same place?

[cal844]

Post a picture??

[mk1leg]

Why not get the best Evans waterless engine coolent............... http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

[cal844]

My mate ran that... Roasted an engine within 1k miles!!

[SamuelR]

Don't think i'll get that then aha... what do you use?

[megamini_jb]

I use blue coolant from good ol' pound shop

[cal844]

I use blue stuff on my 1275... Orange on my 998

[Doodling]

Is it ok to use Silicate free?

[s3swiss]

I think the main thing is not to mix the Blue/Green with the Pink/Red - they turn into a gloop that will block up your engine. 

The blue-green stuff is the good old fashioned glycol based 'anti-freeze' and has been used in the A series (and A+) for decades.

 

The think 'above the radiator' is possibly the expansion tank? What year and model is your mini? If you go to the mini-spares website and search for 'radiator' you will see some diagrams at the bottom of the page that give you the names of the components in that area.