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Thread: Coolant leak: Sign of head gasket fine?

  1. #1
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    Coolant leak: Sign of head gasket fine?

    Hi guys

    Thought i was looking at a new head gasket recently
    Took it to Slunnies, who seems to think its not the issue.
    Before i left for his, noticed that the coolant was waaaaaay down.
    Filled it up.
    Noticed a small puddle of coolant that had dripped out over night.
    Am i right in assuming if its dripping out onto the ground, its not leaking into the head?
    Oil and coolant checks show no indication of head gasket symptoms, runs fine, no temp indicators and no other symptoms of HG issues.
    Am i right? If the coolant is leaking then its not good but better than a new HG!
    Or have i got it completely wrong and my HG is on its way? :P
    Cheers
    Muppet

  2. #2
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    v8 or td5?

    You need to find where its leaking from.There are plenty of places they can leak water from. (including the head gasket esp if a v8)

    More info would make it a lot easier for us to help you.

    cheers
    Pete

  3. #3
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    If you have a TD5 then coolant leaking overnight would lead me to the Diesel cooler o-rings. The cool nights mean the worn o-rings shrink and allow the Diesel to drip out. The cooler is a cylindrical unit bolted to the block drivers side.

    Regards

    Another Muppett

  4. #4
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    Hi guys
    Its a 2001 TD5 SE, with 214k kms approximately
    Drives really well, never had the heat gauge budge above the half way point.
    Had a small issue with the TRS recently but that seems to have chased itself away.
    Dad said he often noticed small wet patches under the car of a morning
    Not a big coolant leak, quite small. Not noticeable in the tank itself, as i marked it.
    Oil replaced over 1500kms ago, few weeks ago. Perfectly clean.
    Slunnie said it looked immaculate, and i'd have to agree. Over serviced by previous owner.
    Just hoping as its not the HG, as if it is then my money goes to that as opposed to new ARB bar, 2 spotties and uhf kit.
    Cheers for all the help guys
    Muppet

  5. #5
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    Hi Muppet!

    Get out there with a torch and have a good look. Remove the plastic covers.

    There are heaps of possible leaks before even considering a headgasket.

    Fuel cooler.
    one of the million hoses
    water pump drain

    Over what period was the coolant level way down? or was it the first time you had a look?

    Its quite easy to trace leaks as the coolant should be pink.

    good luck
    Pete

  6. #6
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    Honestly i think it was the first time i'd bothered to look at it in detail. May (very big maybe) have had some small amount in it the day before i took it to slunnies, didn't look like any the day i took it out.
    Slight spots of pink around the coolant tank cap.

    Here's hoping its not a HG!
    Cheers guys
    Muppet

  7. #7
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    I'd suggest grabbing a torch, getting under the car and checking up beside each side of the block. Because the coolant is dripping it's far easier to see drips, residue and dried coolant from underneath.

    I'd be looking at the fuel cooler, water pump, water pump bracket o-ring, and hoses before even considering the head gasket.

    cheers
    Paul

  8. #8
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    God you certainly have at thing for the head gasket....!!!. Get in there and have a butchers,, probably at cheap fix.


    BIG O
    2003 D2 Td5 Auto
    1999 D2 Td5 Auto ACE

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by BIG O View Post
    God you certainly have at thing for the head gasket....!!!. Get in there and have a butchers,, probably at cheap fix.

    Better to be safe than sorry

  10. #10
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    put a large piece of relatively clean cardboard (beer carton is good, specially if you need to empty it), under the engine overnight and identify where the leak is dripping from.

    if it is the passenger side trace it back up from underneath and it will probably be from the water pump seal drain. look for signs of dried stain just beneath the drain hole, it drys due engine heat and very hard to detect, but it will statically drain overnight.

    run your fingers around the waterpump attachment bolts to feel any wetness underneath the bolts that is not visible without a mirror, if the bolts are wet it will be the water pump housing o ring seal is shot.

    either way just get a new pump, and LR genuine one,

    my cheap replacement pump lasted 35k km. buy cheap pay dear etc etc.

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