1st Gen R50 Cooper What is causing this to happen?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by SNEEEZY - Erika, May 14, 2010.

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  1. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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  2. Jabbles

    Jabbles New Member

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    This is a guess, I am sure others will know for sure but it looks like the plastic cover must have worn a small hole in that line(PCV hose?) and it's now leaking.
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    The color looks like dried coolant spray - from some tiny coolant leak somewhere around that spot. Could be a pinhole in a hose, a bad clamp, the bleeder screw. Look at how it rings around the base of the bleed screw - that fitting may be cracked?

    I don't think it's the small breather tube - that wouldn't carry anything that would make that color when dry.
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    I'd say a coolant leak too. Interesting white color, have you put in any additives (water pump lubricant)? Check your coolant level, you don't want a warped head over this.
     
  5. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    My OEM coolant dries that same color when I overfill and the reservoir vents.
     
  6. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Thanks for the replies! :Thumbsup:

    So...what's the solution to fix it & is it an easy DIY?
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    It has an interesting spray pattern. It may have a pin hole in the radiator. Check to see if the white coating is on the back side of the radiator in line with the white coating on the engine. If it is the radiator, I believe they can't be repaired, and they aren't cheap.
     
  8. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Need to pinpoint the location of the leak first. Wash off all the residue that's there now, let it dry completely. Drive the car up the normal operating temp, then open the bonnet with car still running and see if it's leaking/spraying any coolant, and, if so, from where.

    The fix will depend on where it's coming from.
     
  9. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    I sent the pics to my local MINI enthusiast/race shop and here's the initial diagnosis:

    1. Possible stripped bleeder screw

    2. Crack in the hose elbow.

    I'll be dropping Schultze off at the shop early next week...until then...very little driving since there's a possibility it might just completely blow and serious damage can ensue.

    Yee haw! :popcorn:
     
  10. R50 Paul

    R50 Paul New Member

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    Has there been any resolution to this? My Cooper did this a few years back, but not as severe as yours pictures. I have put a some radiator stop-leak product in and all is well.
     

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