How far can I drive with a leaky radiator in my wife's Mini?
 

My wife's car left a puddle in the driveway yesterday after having the engine on just long enough to pull it out of the garage. I got underneath and looked around today and there is some wet and crusty coolant all over the place, though I cannot find the leak. I would say it's about a tsp. or two and it leaked that much again today pulling it out of the garage. Reservoir tank was below minmum when I opened the hood. I believe it's only leaking when the engine is running, as I put a dish on top of the puddle last night and it was dry this morning. It's under warranty and the dealer is about 20 miles from the house. We have towing insurance, so that's not a problem. But is it safe to take it 20 miles or should we have it towed?

It sounds like you could top everything off and make it much farther than 20 miles, but who knows for sure until you try it.

Top it off and take some fluid with you. Watch the temp gauge like a hawk and you should be fine.

I decided that 1-2 tsp. in 30 seconds would probably turn into a lot of coolant at full operating temp. and engine speed over 30 min. So Miini Roadside Assistance is coming today. I'll let the dealer worry about it.

How far could you make it? Right to the scene of the accident. ;)

Good call Rick. I don't let vehicles get driven in my household that have potential safety issues.

Better safe than sorry. Did you check to see if it actually drips while the car is running. I've had lots and lots of leaky stuff over the years. It's been my experience that it may leak a bit when cold, then once things are hot and flowing, the leaks stop or diminish. Then after shutdown there's often another period of leaking as the water heats since it's just sitting in the block so the pressure goes up.

You'd have probably been fine, but since you can get it towed on Ins, why not. Better than getting 1/2 or 3/4 of the way there and then having to call a tow from the side of the road.

My Corolla had a knackered radiator and I unscrewed the cap so the pressure was off but it was in the stop possition (so it wouldn't fall off) and this allowed me to put off buying a replacement radiator for another six months. Radiator caps have different spring pressures and the more pressure the higher them water temp etc.

Hopefully just a hose in your GF's car.

Flatbed just took it away. Of course, it wouldn't leak when driving it onto the flatbed. I'm sure I could have made it to the dealer now, but what the hell? There's definite evidence of a leak under the car and I'll let them worry about it.

until it overheats and locks up.....aw come on, someone had to say it:D

You have the ubiquitous defective thermostat housing gasket leak. Almost every Mini from 2001-2006 has had it. My wife's came on at about 25K miles. Covered under warranty. If the warranty is out will run you about $200 at the dealer to replace.

Well was I right?

My Jeep was pissing fluid out on Friday, when I arrived home. It looked like the radiator. I took the cowling off and removed the electric fan. I ran the engine up to temp, and the leak returned, but not the "pissing" part. The only hose in the area is dry. I'm pulling the radiator later this week.

Yes, free under warranty at 28.8k miles.

Get this Rick, even the dealer can't just get the gasket, it only comes with the housing. So you end up getting the housing and gasket and new antifreeze. If you haven't already had the Inspection I they should do it at the same time along with an updated flash of the ECU.

Depends


How much is a new head on a Mini?

They did the 30k mile service too or whatever Inspection was due. It's still under free maint. warranty for a few more. mos. After that, it's DIY everything, though I change the oil and filters once between services.

damn, we just picked up an '06 for my girlfriend, better go and check it out to make sure it's not leaking!

A replacement thermostat comes with a new gasket...