4 replies to this topic

[Toby94]

I have recently noticed that there is a green coloured fluid leaking from underneath my 1995 1.3i rover mini cooper on the passenger side below the radiator, and I am unsure what that fluid is (maybe coolant) and where the fluid is coming from. Any help?

[lewBlew]

How much is leaking? Check the level in the radiator (just undo the cap) and if you can't see water then some has leaked out. Has the car overheated or run hot at all?

 

In terms of where it's leaking out, I had this recently with the bottom radiator hose which goes from the bottom of the radiator to the water pump. It's weird shaped. You should be able to see the bottom of this if you look up into the passenger side front wheel arch and through the holes in the body work. You may notice it's leaking. Also check it from above, where it connects near the bypass hose it may be leaking, or the bypass hose itself may be leaking (the small vertical hose which often splits).

 

If you're lucky, may just need to be tightened up. If you are unlucky and a hose has ruptured then it will be a case of whipping the radiator/waterpump out (depending on which hose) and replacing it. Not a massively difficult job for you or a garage to do. Depends how confident you feel.

 

The other possibility is that the radiator overflow pipe - if you have one fitted - is leaking coolant because it's boiling up for whatever reason. Perhaps the radiator cap is loose and needs replacing. It's difficult to tell, you will need to have a close look all over for a trail of water or evidence of dried water drips. Just be careful not to burn yourself if the engine is hot.

 

Good thing is, I'm pretty sure there's no other green fluid in your car so it must be coolant. Unless your screenwash is green and on the wrong side

Edited by lewBlew, 21 May 2013 - 07:38 PM.

[Algordo1100]

Coolant can be green.  It sounds like coolant.

Start by looking at your rubber hoses, especially where they attach. Leaks will show up as crusty deposits (or wet coolant for a severe leak)

Another common culprit is the radiator itself if it is old and rusted. You will want to find any leaks right away before you loose your coolant and the poor thing overheats! You don't want to cause head damage! 

 

Leaks are easy when they are still just leaks. Not so easy when they become a head skim and gasket change. 

[Toby94]

Great, thank you very much. I will check all over the radiator tomorrow when there is more light and when the engine is a lot cooler. it's not leaking massively (stopped after about 30 seconds), but I will just keep an eye on it and get it looked at by the local garage within the next couple of days, just to be sure on what the problem is

[Cooperman]

It may have been over-filled and have thrown the excess out of the overflow pipe.