It's a non-Skoda question, but as there are some every mechanically minded people on the site I thought someone might have an opinion.

My wife has a new Mini Cooper, which since she has had it in Jan 06 has managed to put on about 550 miles.

I went to top up the screen wash the other day an noticed there was hardly any fluid in the coolant expansion tank.:(

Dropped it off at BMW/Mini and they have today said that there are no leaks and that the loss is due to the coolant fan not working (loose connection apparantly, which they have fixed) and that the coolant loss (tank was virtually empty) is due to evaporation because of lack of cooling from the fan.

Now I woul normally bow to the garages superior skills and knowledge but I don't think this sounds right to me.

Anyone have any thoughts.

There are two or threads on here about coolant leaks, albeit re Skodas. I'm not a car person, but luckily some people on here are

Mo

Evaporation from a sealed system? Did the engine overheat at all?

Unless the system wasnt sealed because they diddnt screw the cap on propperly during the PDI

The fan wouldnt make any difference at this time of year! When did your fan last come on when the average outside temperature is about 4C ?

If i was you i would find your nearest parts supplier and buy

K-seal (kalimex) £9.99 just stick it in to coolant bottle and top up with a/freeze and never need to worry again for leaks ect.

Its the best product on the market for sorting leaks and cracked blocks ect

Evaporation from a sealed system? Did the engine overheat at all?

Isn't there a valve on the system which "vents" if the pressure in the system gets too high (ie. if the coolant boils due to the coolant fan not cooling it properly)?

Mind you, if it was getting that hot then I'd expect there to be some flickering of the temp gauge or the engine to be overheating... :rubchin:

Have been having coolant issues myself this week also, took 2l to fill it up last night ( :eek: ) - absolutely no evidence of a leak though, and oil seems fine (so doesn't seem to be leaking through the head gasket). Most confused...

Rob.