11 replies to this topic

[stu84]

I have a problem where I could see steam coming from the front grille when stationary in traffic. Then there was no heat coming through the heater into the cabin.

 

I assumed that there was a radiator leak somewhere as the coolant level had dropped.

 

As a quick fix I poured some rad seal into the coolant tank and it seemed to fix the problem.

 

Now the problem is back, no heat in the cabin, and steam coming from the front grille.

 

I have replaced the radiator: 

 

 

I cannot flush the remainder of the coolant though. About a litre came out when I disconnected the bottom radiator hose, and what was in the old radiator, however the coolant tank is still on max and I need to flush all the rad seal out of the system.

 

I connected a pressure washer to coolant tank, but it just overflows as if there is a blockage.

 

How can I flush the remainder of the coolant?

[cal844]

There will be a blockage due to the thermostat being closed

[stu84]

Thanks, that explains why I can't flush it out from the tank.. but what advice would you give for flushing the remainder out?

 

I have located the 3 bleed valves, save from disconnecting every hose in sight can I easily get the remainder of this rad seal out of the system?

[cal844]

We take the bottom hose off the expansion tank, this should release the fluid

[yeti21586]

http://www.mini2.com...ge-coolant.html

 

this link might help, its from a forum more suited to your car.

 

 

YetI

[Badboytunes]

Rebuild and fill the collant system with water only. Runthe engine up to temp until the thermostat opens. leave for a few mor minutes and then switch off. Carefully remove the expansion tank cap and de pressurise.

 

 

Then, carefully remove the top and bottom hoses fromthe rad, the ones to the heater and drain the system. Repeat a couple of times until you have clear water.

 

Once sorted, refill with antifreeze/water and you should be sorted.

 

Radweld and similar prodicts are a waste of time and can cause all sort of problems, I never have and never will use it

 

 

Hope you get it sorted.

[stu84]

 

Radweld and similar prodicts are a waste of time and can cause all sort of problems, I never have and never will use it

 

 

I agree, never using it again. Will give this a try tomos, thanks for your help.

[stu84]

http://www.mini2.com...ge-coolant.html

 

this link might help, its from a forum more suited to your car.

 

 

YetI

 

My apologies, I didn't realise that this was more of a classicists forum. Thanks for the link :)

[Badboytunes]

 

http://www.mini2.com...ge-coolant.html

 

this link might help, its from a forum more suited to your car.

 

 

YetI

 

My apologies, I didn't realise that this was more of a classicists forum. Thanks for the link :)

 

 

 

You are more than welcome to ask technical questions on here . Although as said, this site is dedicated to Minis.

[stu84]

The radiator is now replaced, everything connected back up, I've drained the expansion tank, started the car let it get up to temperature, disconnected the bottom radiator hose and nothing is coming out.

 

The radiator is cold and the coolant isn't circulating.

[jamesmpi]

Not a knackered water pump!? If nothing is circulating then I would assume the pump isn't working

[stu84]

Not a knackered water pump!? If nothing is circulating then I would assume the pump isn't working

 

I hope not, it's either the pump or thermostat. Cheapest to replace would be the thermostat.

 

The engine doesn't overheat though. Very strange.