On the was home I stopped to get donuts. I was at the window and looked down and the mini's temp gage was pegged. I shut it off till I got the donuts only a few seconds. When I started it to move it the temp went down as soon as I gave it gas. Got home and found my expansion tank had cracked. Dose anyone know if I should re-torque the head? This would happen now!!!!
I would check it to be sure. Get a new crap OEM plastic tank for now and they order one or Jan's or Colin's tanks. Here's Colin's: http://www.greeneperformance.com/collections/mini-oem-performance-parts/products/greene-performance-coolant-tank
Common issue, I seriously doubt you did any damage. New tank, top up with coolant & keep an eye on for a while Lee.
Nathan that is much better! Thanks guys! That is a nice looking tank Dave I believe that will last longer
The Forge Al tank is a nice alternative. I went with the black one when the OEM split. http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-cooper/mini_cooper_forge_overflow_tank.html
The forge tank sucks, I had one. It uses the same crap place tic cap as the OEM plastic tank. It's better to get a real tank with a real metal radiator cap.
Fourteen months after replacing the stock plastic tank with another OEM plastic one, I've got a leak at the seam on the front right corner. This time I'm going with the Canton Racing Coolant Expansion Tank which the forum recommended last year but I skimped to save a few bucks:mad2:.
If you want that one you should buy Jan's. Canton is a pure copy of Jan's design. About the same price. Profit for one funds r&d. Profit for the other reinforces "crime pays".
After getting all information about aftermarket overflow tank options here on MA, I ended up ordering RMW version (polished). I contacted Jan over their Facebook page and directly on email (from web page). Got the prompt response on both ends! The tank was not in stock when I got the reply, but I was advised that it will be in stock "in few weeks" and to check the status on FB. I did. Not even a week later, there it was: a post on FB that limited supply is available. I again sent an email to Jan (on Saturday morning) for a Paypal invoice. Got it with in an hour. Made a payment. Done! Now, only thing is to look for a mailman... Thanks to all "wise men" for pointing me in right direction.