so today i was driving up a large hill, a truck next to me, and a car right up my ass, with the 2 lanes merging to one... my car starts to make this noise like there is a rattling can in the engine and i cant get above 60 in 4th or 3rd gear as i struggle to overtake this truck. as soon as i get infront of it and get to the top of the hill smoke pours from the bonnet like an underage disco, but where are the neons and strobes? i couldnt find them so i quickly pulled to the side of the road.

turns out my radiator hose broke and lost all my water, ended up gettin it towed away (with nrma road side assistance so cost nothing which was good) but now has to be away from home till tuesday before i can get the hose fixed what a terrible day.

the guy at newcastle mini said it probably wouldnt have done any serious damage... I HOPE NOT! its a pretty new engine, 10,000k's. my mini is costing me too much money, i dont know how many more things can go wrong before i'll sell it and get a lazer or sumthing.

im not very happy, what r the chances that it will have serious damages resulting in me spending more $$$$$$

steve

The sound is pinging/preignition.
This is caused by the hotspots in your block/head, and the hotspots are caused by the overheating which was caused by the broken radiator hose, which was caused by inefficient maintenance.



Most times, it should be okay.
Won't know again till you try fire it up.

well it turned on when i drove it up onto the tow truck. if there is something wrong will it just not turn on? or will it keep pinging??? or just suck?

how am i supposed to know to check my radiator hoses, geeez im young and have limited knowledge about cars, give me a break

but thanks for explaining

Why Tuesday to fix a Rad Hose..Its just a bugger if it the Bottoom Hose.
Get in and have a go
Fill it back up and start it

_________________
Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

it is the bottom hose, the guy couldnt get any new ones in till tuesday? haha i dont mind, i dont need my car till wednesday

Stuvz
Dont worry about being young and inexperienced - it comes in time but yes minis do take a bit of time and work to keep running.

Inefficient maintenance - that's just a bit too outspoken to be coming from another kid.

do keep an eye on your oil pressure and water temp gauges when driving though - and you just might notice something's wrong before it causes any damage.