blowing out cold air then I realised it was overheating?

2003 MINI COOPER
2WD • MANUAL
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007MISHMASH
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My mini copper 03 plate got a new radiator installed in June this year. I drove it yesterday and the heater was blowing out cold air then i realised it was overheating. I immediately stopped and checked the water in the radiator and this was empty - i filled it up and drove 5 miles and the same happened. It is also making a grinding noise when stationary when this happens. Apparently the garage failed to put anti freeze in the radiator. What could this fault be?
Dec 9, 2010 at 1:08 PM
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SQM
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Hello,

First you need to check for any leaks. As you mentioned that after filling it up with coolant it was empty again. This is likely a leak in the cooling system.
It can leak from any of the hoses. It can also leak from the water pump or the thermostat housing.


https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine


Do a inspection of under hood cooling components. Look for any visible wet spots. It can help to do a pressure test of the cooling system to detect the leak. A pressure test put pressure in the cooling system similar to engine operating condition.

Here is a helpful video of how to do a pressure test:

https://youtu.be/W8kra65m15c

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Sep 25, 2021 at 6:48 PM