Thread: TD5 expansion tank pressure problem and cap leakage

Hi

My 2003 TD5 D2a is leaking coolant through the expansion tank cap. Not a massive amount but enough to spray the red colour around. The O-rings on cap appear to be good. There is pressure in the expansion tank when cold. When cold, the level is down about 50mm, this mostly comes up to the mark when the cap is removed. The top radiator hose has had leaks at all points somewhat fixed by new clamps.

This motor was rebuilt by Bruce Davis about 100t km ago after the original head caused issues - cost the previous owner 9K!!! Possible additional factors include BD tune, intercooler and exhaust?

Through reading other threads on here it sounds like a possible head gasket problem? But no obvious bubbles in expansion tank when running. Releasing pressure when cold, replacing cap and running motor for 2min gives no pressure in expansion tank. I'm currently towing a 1,500kg camper trailer through the hilly country here in northern NSW maybe it only leaks under load? Oil level is not going up - it is actually using oil.

I am 1,500km from home (near Glenn Innes NSW) heading North to Mackay Qld.

A couple of questions?

1. Is there a way to test the expansion tank cap?
2. I have low water sensor in expansion tank, and a nanocom evo. If the temp stays normal, it doesn't run out of water,and I regularly check the oil level is not milky or going up - is their any damage that can be done by driving home approx 1,500km on a failing head gasket?
3. Is there somewhere north of Glenn Innes (on the 15) that know Land Rovers where I can get the expansion tank "sniffed" for exhaust gas?
4. Any other suggestions?


Thanks for your help,
Alan

Thanks guys. I suspect the head gasket too, as I dont see how it could build up pressure in the system otherwise. I've got RACQ Ultra Care so I guess the sensible thing is to try and use that. Going to be a pain getting the wife, 2 kids under 2, and camper trailer home. Can you hire a 4WD with an electric brake controller?

I like your optimism Mike, but I know how to bleed the system properly, and there is a small amount of air in the top hose - just a couple of little bubbles though.

This really annoys the stuffing out of me. One of the attractions of buying this particular TD5 D2a was the BD rebuilt engine. Yet recently the exhaust manifold gasket was leaking at 1 and 5 despite 10mm studs. The manifold was warped. On the final torque of the skimmed (and now web sliced) manifold, number 1 lower stud snapped - the stud was already half broken. I managed to get that out, but not a fun night either!

Now the head gasket seems to be gone. Surely if these common issues are fixed, they should stay fixed, its only been 100t km?

What causes the head itself to fail/warp? Is it excess heat or the exhaust gas leak leaking into the coolant galleries or something else?