17 11... Cleaning radiator ribs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, 2015 MINI Cooper, and 2014 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of scalding!
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.

Preliminary work needed:

Remove FRONT BUMPER COVER
Remove INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING

Removal:

Unscrew the screws (1).

Remove strut (2).

Fig 1: Strut And Screws

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Unscrew the screws (1).

Remove top connection.

Fig 2: Top Connection And Screws

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Check radiator for contamination.

Fig 3: Checking Radiator For Contamination

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To clean the radiator use a standard narrow vacuum-cleaner attachment (1) with a length of approx. 600 mm.

Fig 4: Standard Narrow Vacuum-Cleaner Attachment

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Unlock lock (1) and carefully release air conditioning condenser (2) from radiator and pull slightly forwards.

IMPORTANT: Do not damage air conditioning condenser!

Fig 5: Releasing Air Conditioning Condenser From Radiator

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to the radiator.

Ensure that the coolant blades are not damaged.

Vacuum dirt off the radiator using a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment (1).

If necessary, also clean the dirty air conditioning condenser.

Fig 6: Cleaning Dirty Air Conditioning Condenser

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Installation:

Reattach air conditioning condenser (2) to radiator. Secure lock (1).

Fig 7: Attaching Air Conditioning Condenser To Radiator

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Install top connection.

Tighten down screws (1).

Fig 8: Top Connection And Screws

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Position strut (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Fig 9: Positioning Strut And Screws

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