mini one coolant leak

[tinamcg123]

Hi everyone, first time on this forum and would be grateful for any advice on my mini one 2003.
2 weeks ago I got the car serviced. last week got the gearbox bearings replaced and now my heaters are blowing out cold air. Is it possible that something has been damaged during this work? The coolant level was fine yesterday but now its low and visible water lying on top of gear box. The temperature gauge is exactly centre and stays there whilst driving.
I took it back to the garage and they said the water pump needs replaced but he only checked the coolant level which was fine at that point.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[Jimmyarm]

Pretty certain the thermostat housing is directly above the gearbox on these, they often leak.

If you are unsure of the garages diagnosis take it to another one to have a nose.

[tinamcg123]

thanks for your reply. Is the thermostat housing completely different to the water pump? sorry but I have no knowledge of cars.

[Blaster72]

The water pump is on the drivers side of the engine, the thermostat is on the passenger side of the engine assuming its a uk right hand drive car?

The water pump has a small hole through which water will drip if the pump seals have worn. Maybe the garage you took it to have seen water coming from this and hence their diagnosis?

The thermostat housing on these cars are known to leak as well.

If there's water all over the gearbox that suggests its more likely the thermostat, I'm not sure how a leaking water pump could spray water all over the top of the gearbox.

On the image below the thermostat housing is attached to the round cap with the yellow writing on the lower right of the photo.

[tinamcg123]

Thanks. That makes sense because the water was definately on the passenger side. I'm glad I know this now as I don't want to get the water pump replaced when it's not that.

[mighty kitten]

Check the cap as well , they leak allowing coolant to fill overfill the expansion tank and the coolant level drops over time until the heater goes cold . Done lots of stat housings and leaky rads on these , not so many water pumps . caps are around £12 from BMW and the system is easy to bleed up with a plastic screw on the big hose on the timing chain end of the engine

[tinamcg123]

I wouldn't have a clue where to start but Aslong as I sound like I know hopefully they won't rip me off😳.
does anyone know of a garage in glasgow that are good with minis or someone who can recommend an honest mechanic? Thanks in advance.