Thread: TD5 Lower Coolant Pipe drain plug cracks

Originally Posted by Marmoset

Hi all,

I have a small crack around the drain plug on the metal coolant pipe, seems the last mechanic didn't like to use a sealing washer and overtightened things

I'm considering soldering/brazing the crack given the cost of the assembly but does anyone know what the pipes are made of? Mine are a greyish colour which leads me to think aluminium, whcih I'm uncertain how to repair.

Has anyone just cut the drain plug section out and replaced with rubber hoses?

Rich

G'day Rich,

I can't assist with the cracks you describe but I think the pipe is a steel pipe. Maybe see if a magnet will stick to it? (That's my helpful contribution for the day - given that I can't win on any other LR fronts, grrrr, BCU playing up and I have lost my ability to disarm the immobiliser...)

I'm unsure what the advantages of having this section made from steel are, aside from the protection factor if rocks and debris were getting past the guard and striking the area.

Mine has a couple of its mounting points sheared off at present - it seems like they are a rivet on job. Nothing too serious but it will be adding extra load to the 1 remaining mounting point. Cable ties can only do so much...

I saw a figure of $600 or so for the coolant rail on the web. I was shocked to say the least.

Keep us posted as to what you find please Rich as I may well be giving mine to a local welder to sort and he'd appreciate knowing at the start what he was dealing with.

It is a steel pipe. Brazing or soldering should fix it.
Regards
Robbo.

I seem to have a hairline crack around the drain plug collar causing it to leak..
Did you manage to solder the crack with success?
I'm thinkin removal then blue-tip silver solder and flux as its steel?

Thanks

I had the same problem about 8 years ago, removed the pipes, brazed the crack, no problem since. I'd definitely suggest brazing with a small tip on the Oxy set, so that you can get the heat into the pipe.