5 replies to this topic

[HHR1400]

Hello everyone!

 

Recently I had to take my Mini to the workshop as it had a very serious coolant leak (Or in this case... Huge coolant spill) because the bottom rad hose clamp failed...

 

Now that it's repaired, I found out that it was still leaking but in very small amounts... I checked the overflow pipe (Which in mine is transparent) and I saw coolant traces in the pipe.

 

Then I checked the level (cold) and I saw that the mechanic overfilled the coolant all the way to the top... 

 

The original radiator had a plate that marked the max level... But my Fletcher radiator doesn't have any max level marks...

 

So my question is... How do I know the max coolant level on this specific Fletcher radiator and stop it overflowing?

Edited by HHR1400, 10 May 2024 - 09:18 PM.

[mbolt998]

I would just fill it to the top and then let it overflow. It will find its own level. As for what that level is supposed to be, so long as it's decently above the actual radiator core it's probably OK. I don't think mine has any markings either.

[nicklouse]

About 1” (25mm) above the gills. Same as any other Mini rad. They originally had a hoop in the filler neck showing the fill level.

[cal844]

What I do is to fill it to just under the overflow pipe, then fit a bottle to the open end of the overflow pipe to catch any expelled coolant

[JXC Mini GT]

What I do is to fill it to just under the overflow pipe, then fit a bottle to the open end of the overflow pipe to catch any expelled coolant

I did the same but fitted a recovery type radiator cap, it works fine and I dont need to remove the cap to check the coolant level

[cal844]

What I do is to fill it to just under the overflow pipe, then fit a bottle to the open end of the overflow pipe to catch any expelled coolant

I did the same but fitted a recovery type radiator cap, it works fine and I dont need to remove the cap to check the coolant level

Yes, that works too. I have kept the standard fit Fletcher cap (works for me)