MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Nomad on July 5, 2026, 12:41

Title: Coolant leak
Post by: Nomad on July 5, 2026, 12:41
Hi all,
I was aware of this coolant leak for a few months now but couldn't locate it as there was no wet paths on the floor under the car.

Earlier in the year I started noticing the coolant level in the expansion tank reducing from full to minimum. I must have added 700ml in the last 2000 miles.

Recently the level has dropped very quick so I had to investigate. The usual spots around the radiator lower corners were fine but after removing the frunk cover under the bonnet I finally found a few drops of pink coolant coming from the flexible hose connecting to the metal pipe. The coolant then dripped on the underbody trays and would dry there hence no wet paths on the floor.

What happened here, is the metal clip too weak and it is passing the coolant through? Does the flex hose need replacing? Or can I just slide the metal clip onto the metal pipe and leave it there and secure the connection with a hose clip from Screwfix?

Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Carolyn on July 5, 2026, 13:34
Go mad and give her a couple of hoses.  She'll love you for it! 8)  :P
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Nomad on July 5, 2026, 13:36
Hoses and clips OEM only available from Japan. Delivery times up to October....
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Carolyn on July 5, 2026, 17:25
Quote from: Nomad on July  5, 2026, 13:36Hoses and clips OEM only available from Japan. Delivery times up to October....

Try TCB performance parts or GT4Play for good OEM equivalents.
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Hawko on July 5, 2026, 19:21
Replaced the useless rusty OEM clips with stainless hose clips on mine, should avoid any future issues.
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Nomad on July 5, 2026, 20:26
I don't really want to replace the hoses as the coolant is still fresh and I don't want to spend aonther £100 just for new coolant.

Quote from: Hawko on July  5, 2026, 19:21Replaced the useless rusty OEM clips with stainless hose clips on mine, should avoid any future issues.
Where did you get yours from?

Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Hawko on July 5, 2026, 20:47
Quote from: Nomad on July  5, 2026, 20:26Where did you get yours from?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193194180084?var=494024180320

Pack of 10

After moving the existing clips out of the way I cut them off with a die grinder to stop them rattling around
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Nomad on July 6, 2026, 08:25
Quote from: Hawko on July  5, 2026, 20:47https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193194180084?var=494024180320

Pack of 10

After moving the existing clips out of the way I cut them off with a die grinder to stop them rattling around


thank you, I will order it tonight.

What are the thoughts on silicone hoses? You can get the full set for a couple of hundred, dear but future prove I guess?
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Joesson on July 6, 2026, 11:08
The OE hoses on my 2 were still on there last September after 23 years.
I did change some hose clips.
So Silicone at the price level they are at may be too costly.
The OE clips are designed for ease of assembly during manufacture. A worm drive hose clip is superior imo.
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Gaz mr-s on July 6, 2026, 16:17
I've had to replace a few clips on more than 1 car, - the hoses have been ok afterwards.
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Nomad on July 6, 2026, 21:46
Quote from: Hawko on July  5, 2026, 20:47https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193194180084?var=494024180320

Pack of 10

After moving the existing clips out of the way I cut them off with a die grinder to stop them rattling around


Just to double check, the clip range is 32-45mm?
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: SurreyMR2 on July 7, 2026, 07:12
Screwfix also sell stainless hose clips in many sizes & they tend to have popular sizes in store for same day pickup.