9 replies to this topic

[NLinPEN]

This may sound like a very silly question. Blame it on me being a newbie when it comes to working on my Japanese Mini. It's of the type that has an SPi engine, A/C, automatic gearbox, and, important for this topic, a side-fitted radiator. This radiator lives next to left front wheel. A previous owner used water as coolant and it looks rather brownish (rust, I would guess). I want to drain this water, flush the radiator, fill with water to give the car a spin and internal rinse, drain again, and finally fill with proper coolant that has anti-corrosion properties.

I believe that the radiator does not have a drain at the bottom. Which leaves me no choice but to undo the lower radiator hose. Question is: how do I reach it? After removing the left wheel I can see the hose and clamp, hidden behind a body panel. I concluded that I can't reach it from here. Then I tried to get in via the front: removed the grille. Unfortunately I can't see the hose and clamp from here.

 

(Q1) Am I correct that there is no drain plug I and should undo this lower hose?

(Q2) I see a switch being located at the front bottom corner of the radiator. Is it possible to remove this and drain the coolant from here?

[nicklouse]

Use the switch as a drain point.

[Steam]

You can also remove the bottom hose at the top water pump and then either push the hose down or as I do use a syringe syphon.

[mab01uk]

Another way of undoing the lower hose clamp on the bottom hose is from above in the engine bay, with a 500mm long flexible Hose Clip driver but this does depend on the way the hose clamp is facing when it was last tightened up......now I always orientate the lower bottom hose clip so it can be accessed easily from above.

 

Laser Tools - Extra long flexible shaft hose clip driver, allows access to even the most difficult areas.

https://www.lasertoo...Driver-Long-7mm

Edited by mab01uk, 09 February 2025 - 09:44 AM.

[NLinPEN]

Use the switch as a drain point.

Thank you for confirming that the switch can be used as drain point. Probably I should prepare a new rubber seal in case the current one decides to start leaking. The switch is not screwed in but held in place with a retaining clip.

[NLinPEN]

You can also remove the bottom hose at the top water pump and then either push the hose down or as I do use a syringe syphon.

Thanks, I could do that in case there is no better solution. I would like to get to the bottom of the radiator (literally). I suspect that there is a lot of debris at the bottom and would like to flush as much out of there as possible. Therefor I would like to flush the radiator from above, but also from below.

[NLinPEN]

Another way of undoing the lower hose clamp on the bottom hose is from above in the engine bay, with a 500mm long flexible Hose Clip driver but this does depend on the way the hose clamp is facing when it was last tightened up......now I always orientate the lower bottom hose clip so it can be accessed easily from above.

 

Laser Tools - Extra long flexible shaft hose clip driver, allows access to even the most difficult areas.

https://www.lasertoo...Driver-Long-7mm

Thanks, but that would not solve the problem of removing the hose from the radiator outlet. And more importantly, putting the hose back on once it has drained.

[Steam]

It is a PITA to do but I remove the radiator with the bottom hose still attached particularly if a proper flush is required.

After I have drained as much as possible first of course.

Edited by Steam, 09 February 2025 - 09:09 PM.

[NLinPEN]

It is a PITA to do but I remove the radiator with the bottom hose still attached particularly if a proper flush is required.

After I have drained as much as possible first of course.

I agree with you that having the radiator out of the car allows for the best flushing and internal cleaning. But seeing how tightly everything is packed in that area of the engine bay I don't want to go as far as removing the radiator. I will do what I can and then call it good.

[MatthewsDad]

It's one of a number of uniquely tricky jobs on a mini but every car, old or new has it's own foibles. I have to remove a wheel and wheel arch to change a headlight bulb on my old merc.
I'd be inclined to go for it now and replace the hose at the same time. The hose will fail at the most inconvenient time otherwise and you'll still have to remove the hose. A very long handled flat had screwdriver can help to push the hose off the radiator boss.