2nd Gen R56 Cooper S R56 Coolant leak at Thermostat?

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by Zapski, Feb 20, 2017.

  1. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2011
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    So last week I developed a leak. Yay me.

    Looking under the car I found this:

    [​IMG]

    So I took off the intake and looked around. Right in the center of this photo is a small pool of coolant, directly underneath the HPFP, and of course right below that is the thermostat.

    [​IMG]

    So cramming my camera down into that abyss, and shooting forward I got this:

    [​IMG]

    So that looks like the thermostat to me.

    The problem is that this week is a really inconvenient week for me to be without my car. This is my daily, and I have a 220 mile round trip to make on Wednesday. I've been filling the reservoir every morning, and actually (rashly?) made that same trip over the weekend once without an issue. I just made sure the coolant was full before I left each way.

    The question is this: Would a sealant buy me some time, like a week, or should I just suck it up and take the car in to Best Motor Werks now?
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Zapski DON'T put any sealant in there. It will very likely gum up your heater core & possibly your rad. Carry a gallon of distilled water with you for you trip. Your MINI needs a new Jarvik 7 aka thermostat & housing. They all do sooner or later.

    When you get the time Anson can do the heart transplant.
     
  3. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! Is Water is better than 50/50 coolant?
     
  4. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    Oct 23, 2010
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    It is when you are spilling it on the street as you drive. Just hope that the temperature doesn't go to freezing, while you are waiting to repair it.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Zapski 50/50 is better, but water is OK too. If we get a big cold snap water might not be best. Anson will do a transfusion when he replaces the Jarvik 7 so don't worry about diluting the coolant.
     
  6. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2011
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    Oops, it seems to be getting worse. I have an appointment at the garage tomorrow. Time to arrange other transport. Le sigh. :/
     

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