Blowing out cold air then I realised it was overheating?

007MISHMASH

MEMBER
2003 MINI COOPER
2WD
MANUAL

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?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

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.

Image (Click to make bigger)