2010 Mini One - Cooling issues

[Jhonno]

Changed the thermostat on the other half's Mini One (for the updated design) and now getting coolant issues..

Struggling to get heat in the rad, top hose is hot, bottom hose by the thermostat is hot, and small overflow hose to the header is hot, but the rad and the lower section of the hose remain cold, and seems like there is no pressure in it. Even with the coolant reaching 100°C. It is very easy to lose heat from the heaters, and the header tank will boil over if you sit it still for long enough with the cap off. Eventually after massaging hoses you get heat back in the heaters and the level drops back down. I figure it is an airlock but cannot seem to get rid of it.

When driving it will hold 82°C for a bit before climbing and then will eventually level back out at 82°C again for a while. It never gets hot enough for the fans to cut in, but even when hot the rad remains cool.

Any ideas? Airlock or waterpump?

[rigga]

If the only issue you had previously was just to change the thermostat I'd say its an airlock problem, as it would be very unlucky for the water pump to fail at the same time.

[Colin RedGriff]

Not sure if the 2010 is the same but there are several bleed valves on my daughters 2003 Mini Cooper. They need to be opened as you fill it to prevent airlocks.

[Jhonno]

Maybe I need to open my eyes, but I can't find these bleed valves.. I'm not even a mechanical dunce either!

It never overheats like it is, but it isn't right. Heaters are hot, just not the rad.

I shall open my eyes and try looking for these bleed valves again..... I can't even see the one that is supposed to be on top the thermostat!

[Colin RedGriff]

I used this guide which has pictures of the bleed valve locations at the bottom, hopefully this helps

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MINI/20-W...

[Feirny]

More than likely not been bled properly. Had this issue a few times with work, and rectified other garages errors.

[Jhonno]

Colin RedGriff said:

I used this guide which has pictures of the bleed valve locations at the bottom, hopefully this helps

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MINI/20-W...

That only covers R53.. I think the R56 is different.

[Jhonno]

Feirny said:

More than likely not been bled properly. Had this issue a few times with work, and rectified other garages errors.

Right, well, I will have another go then! Done many cars and never had this issue before! Frustrating.. If there is a bleed valve on the rad I think that would solve all my issues.

[sad61t]

Try the Bentley service manual wiki

Video here: the bleed valve is mentioned at about 17:30
https://youtu.be/ek4YJUvZTPc?t=17m30s

[Jhonno]

sad61t said:

Try the Bentley service manual wiki

Video here: the bleed valve is mentioned at about 17:30
https://youtu.be/ek4YJUvZTPc?t=17m30s

Excellent.. Cheers. I swear that one isn't there on this new thermostat though.. Can't see it at all! Will look yet again.. And feel very stupid if I find it.