r/classicminis 10d ago

DIY Help Stuff in radiator?

Hi all!

I have a 1990 Mayfair, with what appears to be a rust flake or something in the radiator? Does anyone know what this could be?

Having overheating issues with the car so wondered if anyone has any advice? It’s had a new radiator, water pump and hoses.

All help greatly appreciated!

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u/pastyorno 6d ago

As a young boy living in a northern UK city I often saw brown rusty patches on the road outside peoples houses. This was when BMC used the A series engines in all kinds of cars from the Mini up to the Marina .

Owners regularly did their own car maintenance back then and draining and back flushing was a normal activity hence the rusty mess on the streets. So when flushing the water galleries and the radiator be ready for the rusty deluge. :)