1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Heater core issue on my R53

  1. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Sep 29, 2009
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    Ex-Owner (Retired) of a custom metal fab company.
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    Check the line seals attached to the heater core before assuming the core is bad.....
     
  2. Tummi_Gummi

    Tummi_Gummi New Member

    Nov 19, 2012
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    I just bought some bars coolant system leak stopper. Gonna try this before taking it in to a shop.
     
  3. Gizmo

    Gizmo New Member

    May 22, 2012
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    Are you saying it blew out smoke into the cabin?
     
  4. Gizmo

    Gizmo New Member

    May 22, 2012
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    Are there any signs of leaking in the passenger footwell? The heater core is in the dash.
     
  5. Tummi_Gummi

    Tummi_Gummi New Member

    Nov 19, 2012
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    yes it did this a few times when i first turn the fan on. Then after i stopped the car and turned it back on and drove it down the street with the fans on it wouldn't but the passenger side window was fogging up really fast. And the leaking? I haven't noticed any leaking but its been snowing and really wet out so its a hard time to check for a leak ya know? There is definitely a smell of coolant though from somewhere.
     
  6. Gizmo

    Gizmo New Member

    May 22, 2012
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    I'm working on a paper right now so I have to return to this to fully answer. But safety wise, antifreeze fumes can cause eye irritation and upper-respiratory irritation so I would suggest not using your heater until this issue is fixed. You are saying condensation. Are you sure it is smoke coming out and not condensation? The condensation source could be the coolant.

    Do you have a Bentley Manual? I would suggest inspecting the heater core and tubing.
     
  7. Tummi_Gummi

    Tummi_Gummi New Member

    Nov 19, 2012
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    On it! And yeah its steam from the coolant. Its not smoke. its definitely 100% steam/condensation.The moment i turn on my fans after the cars warmed up it blows out for a few seconds then stops but the window on the right side continues to fog up worse and worse now and i smell coolant the whole time so its just building up. This leak started a weak or two ago and gradually getting worse. I have ordered seals. I am not even gonna put bars leak in my system because i dont want to mess it up. I will look and see if i need a core. For 120$ i might just do it anyways with all problems everyone is having. I got 250k miles and i have red tons of people with issues under 50k