Engine coolant has turned to a gel and engine overheated

There are several reasons why your Mini may be overheating. Some of the common causes include:

1. Low coolant levels: If the coolant levels in your Mini's radiator are low, it can cause the engine to overheat.
2. Faulty radiator: A radiator that is clogged or has a leak can prevent coolant from flowing properly, causing the engine to overheat.
3. Faulty thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the coolant from flowing through the engine, causing the engine to overheat.
4. Faulty water pump: If the water pump is not working properly, it can prevent the coolant from flowing through the engine, causing the engine to overheat.
5. Blockage in the engine cooling system: A blockage in the engine cooling system can prevent coolant from flowing through the engine, causing the engine to overheat.
6. Overheating of other components: Overheating of alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump, etc can also cause the engine to overheat as these components are driven by the engine and they add extra load on the engine.

If you suspect that your Mini is overheating, it's important to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.

If your vehicle's radiator is overheating and there are no visible leaks, it is possible that the problem could be caused by a faulty thermostat or water pump. These components are responsible for regulating the flow of coolant and water through the radiator and engine, and if they are not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat.
To determine if the thermostat or water pump is causing the overheating issue, you will need to perform some diagnostic tests and checks. Here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Check the thermostat: The thermostat is located in the engine and controls the flow of coolant through the radiator. If the thermostat is stuck in the closed position, it can prevent the coolant from flowing and cause the engine to overheat. You can test the thermostat by removing it from the engine and checking it for proper operation.
2. Check the water pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating the coolant and water through the radiator and engine. If the pump is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. You can test the water pump by removing the drive belt and attempting to turn the pump by hand. If the pump is seized or not turning smoothly, it may need to be replaced.
3. Check the coolant level: Make sure that the coolant level in the radiator is at the proper level. If the coolant level is low, it can cause the engine to overheat.

If you are unable to determine the cause of the overheating issue, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic who can perform a more thorough diagnostic test and identify the root cause of the problem. They will be able to recommend the appropriate repairs to fix the issue and prevent further overheating.

An overheated engine can be caused by anything that decreases the cooling system's ability to absorb, transport and dissipate heat; therefore engines can overheat for a variety of reasons. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes.
Cooling System Leaks
This is the primary cause of engine overheating. Possible leak points include hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs, automatic transmission oil cooler, cylinder heads and block. Perform a pressure test. A leak-free system should hold pressure for at least one minute.
Wrong Coolant Concentration
Be sure to use the coolant recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. The wrong type of coolant and/or mixing the incorrect concentration of coolant and distilled water can also result in engine overheating. The best bet is to perform a complete flush and fill.
Bad Thermostat
A thermostat is a heat-sensitive valve that opens and closes in response to engine temperature. Heated engine coolant passes through to the radiator when the thermostat is in the open position. In the closed position, it prevents the flow of coolant to speed up the warming of a cold engine. When the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, coolant stays in the engine and quickly becomes overheated, resulting in engine overheating.
Blocked Coolant Passageways
Rust, dirt and sediment can all block or greatly impede the flow of coolant through the cooling system. This can limit the system's ability to control engine temperature, which may result in higher operating temperatures and engine overheating. Once again, a flush and fill is recommended to remove debris.
Faulty Radiator
By passing through a series of tubes and fins, coolant temperature is reduced in the radiator. Leaks and clogging are some of the most common causes of radiator failure. Any disruption in the radiator's function can lead to elevated engine temperature and overheating.
Worn/Burst Hoses
A hose that contains visual cracks or holes, or has burst will result in leaks and disrupt the flow of engine coolant. This can result in overheating.
Bad Radiator Fan
A fan blows air across the radiator fins to assist in reducing the temperature of the coolant. A fan that wobbles, spins freely when the engine is off, or has broken shrouds will not be able to reduce the temperature to proper level, thus possibly resulting in engine overheating.
Loose or Broken Belt
A belt is often the driving link that turns the water pump at the correct speed for proper coolant flow through the cooling system. If a belt is loose or broken, it cannot maintain the proper speed, thus resulting in poor coolant flow and ultimately, engine overheating.
Faulty Water Pump
Known as the 'heart' of the cooling system, the water pump is responsible for pressurizing and propelling engine coolant through the cooling system. Any malfunction of the water pump, including eroded impeller vanes, seepage or wobble in the pump shaft, can prevent adequate coolant flow and result in engine overheating.

get it serviced

no crank, it called.
what lights come on, there are like 30 lights or more.
HL, parking, dash , warning, dome, tail, stop. blinkers and dimmer dash lights. to name but a few.
sounds to me like , custom alarm, and is acting up.
but id need to sit in the cockpit to see whats' really going on.

all gas engines eveny back in mid 80s, or model A ford
the starter can be hot wired or jumper cable cranked.
see that tiny lug on the solenoid ,
so if jumper cables fail. (off running car) sill dead?
then you next hot wire the starter solenoid tiny lug
fails to crank, ? then hit the side of starter with a hammer
crank now>?

ok , hot wiring the solenoid (key is pocket)
the starter turns the crankshaft over fast,
the starter and battery are working now. so what is wrong
this is called the KEY line.
the KEY line is dead.
my wild guess, is aftermarket alarm installed and its breaking the key
line, like many do.

see a mechanic

OVERHEATING CAN BE CAUSE BY MANY THINGS LIKE FAULTY THERMOSTAT AND FAULTY RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP,TOO MUCH WATER IN COOLANT SYSTEM NEED 50 / 50 WATER AND ANTIFREEZE.LOOK FOR WATER PUMP WEEP HOLE LEAK, IF COOLANT LEAKING OUT WEEP HOLE WATER PUMP BAD NEED REPLACING.CHECK FOR LOW COOLANT LEVEL, YOUR RADIATOR OVERFLOW JUG SHOULD HAVE COOLANT AT THE FULL COLD MARK IF NOT KEEP ADDING COOLANT INTO COOLANT OVERFLOW JUG UNTIL COOLANT STOP DROPPING AND FULL COLD MARK, IF OVERFLOW COOLANT JUG WAS EMPTY RADIATOR IS LOW ON COOLANT.WHICH CAUSE AIR IN COOLANT SYSTEM KEEPING THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR FROM BEING SUBMERGE IN HOT COOLANT WHICH TURN ON THE COOLANT FANS.WHEN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GET CERTAIN SET TEMPERATURE LIKE 190 DEGREES THE PCM AND COOLANT SENSOR WILL TURN ON COOLANT FANS, IF VECHICLE OVERHEATING COOLANT FANS NOT WORKING EITHER YOU HAVE FAULTY ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR CHECK COOLANT FANS FUSE AND RELAYS. YOU CAN CODE SCAN CAR TO SEE IF YOU HAVE FAULTY PCM, FAULTY ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR OR FAULTY COOLANT FAN RELAY.IF COOLANT FAN AND ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR OKAY,YOU HAVE CORRECT COOLANT LEVEL IN COOLANT SYSTEM, THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP BEEN REPLACED, YOU COULD HAVE BLOWN HEAD GASKET CHECK ENGINE OIL LOOKS LIKE MILK SHAKE HEAD GASKET BLOWED ALSO WHEN HEAD GASKET BLOWED YOU CAN DRIVE CAR SHORT DISTANCE START OVERHEATING AND YOU LOOSE ENGINE POWER SUSPECT BLOWED HEAD GASKET.

Overheating can seriously damage a car's engine if left unchecked. Although overheating simply means that a car's engine temperature exceeds normal operating temperatures, the causes of overheating are varied. What follows is a brief list of some of the most common causes of engine overheating.

Faulty Radiator
1. A car that overheats will often have a faulty radiator. A radiator is responsible for cooling hot engine coolant that picks up heat from inside a car's running engine. A radiator "radiates" the heat from engine coolant out into the outside air. A faulty radiator loses its "radiating" effects and allows engine coolant to become overheated, thus rendering it ineffective at adequately cooling and engine.
Faulty Water Pump
2. A faulty or malfunctioning water pump prevents adequate engine coolant flow and can cause a car to overheat. A water pump serves to pressurize and propel engine coolant throughout a car's engine and radiator to increase the heat-reducing capabilities of engine coolant. A faulty water pump loses its ability to adequately pump and propel engine coolant, and can cause a car to overheat.
Coolant System Leaks
3. A leaky engine coolant system reduces the level of circulating engine coolant, which increases engine temperature and leads to engine overheating. Radiators, water pumps, and coolant system hoses and seals--all of these coolant system parts can develop leaks, which can result in low coolant levels and engine overheating.
Faulty Thermostat
4. A car thermostat regulates the flow of engine coolant. A thermostat is a heat-sensitive valve that opens when a car engine reaches a set operating temperature and closes when a car engine is cold and warming up. If a thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, coolant will be prevented from reaching the engine, which will quickly lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage.
Low Engine Oil Level
5. Engine oil, in addition to lubricating an engine's internal parts, helps to keep engine operating temperatures reduced by eliminating friction within the engine. If engine oil levels are low, friction and heat build up inside an engine, a condition that causes increased engine operating temperatures and can lead to engine overheating.

Could be a faulty temperature sensor, at wost it's going to be a bad head gasket or intake manifold. Sorry for the bad news and hope that it's just a faulty temp sensor.

Thank you for using fixya and check your engine oil to make sure there is no coolant mixing in with your engine oil. Coolant is corrosive to your engine's internal bearings.

The overheating is caused by the sludge. It is very easy to correct this problem. Remove the radiator cap and open the drain valve at the bottom of radiator. If possible, remove the reservoir and flush out with water. Make sure to get all sludge out of reservoir, then reinstall. Once the radiator stops draining, insert water hose (without nozzle) and turn water on. Keep the drain valve open. Run water through radiator until it runs clear. Once it runs clear, start the engine and let it run while keeping the water running through radiator. Allow engine to run until the thermostat opens up. Continue running water through radiator with engine running until the water from drain runs clear. Once you have done that, turn off the engine. Close the drain valve and refill radiator with proper mixture of coolant and water. Once radiator is filled, start engine and let circulate through engine. Coolant level will drop as the coolant starts circulating. Shut off engine and top off radiator. Fill the reservoir with the required amount of coolant. Testing the coolant at least once a year will help prevent this from happening again. Coolant should be replace a minimum of five years, less if coolant bottle specifies.