Thread: coolant leak what to do?

Xavie, check every clamp related to the cooling system, check each hose near the clamp area for bulges that may have cracked, check your water pump, check your thermstat housing and check your radiator cap u cant leave any stone unturned the stuffs coming out from somewhere

The level in the plastic tank isn't so much the worry. On a 300tdi you have to crack the plug on top of the radiator and see what the level in the radiator/system. This has to be filled to the top, so there are no air pockets.

Common problem on 300tdi Defenders is the heater box - heater system is plumbed into radiator and once the heater matrix goes...

Overheating and blown head gaskets are the bugbear of 300tdi's, so take it seriously.

Worthwhile checking for water in the sump, etc. if you suspect problems, and since just bought maybe purchased with a head issue.

Sorry to sound alarmist, but been through a head replacement and my wallet is still recovering a year later.

Cheers
Simon

Alarmist works for me because that's what I need to be thinking about.

It has a low coolant alarm on it and it never went off but then I suspect it only started leaking as I pulled up so it shouldn't of gone off.

As soonas I've had tea I'll have a good look at it and pull the hose out which seemed to be leaking.

Xav

Xavie,
Most likely you have a leaking heater hose at the back. They rub through on the back of the cyl head near the rocker cover . They can be the cause of serious overheating and engine destruction, so replace BOTH if one is suspect. I also encase them in a cut up piece of old rad hose as a precaution against chafing through.

JC

So, this morning I've had a good look and it's just one of the hoses. Will Superheap have them or where do I neeed to go? I live about 50 km's to my closest superheap and it's probably the only store which may be open today. I'd mail order but need them really quickly if possible.

Xav

Here is the engine so I can explain which hose it is. It is the hose that is next to the oil dip stick and sort of has 2 sections to it. The part which is broken is the top section closest to the engine.

Xav