Coolant leak when it feels like it???

**DiscoKym** · 9th April 2014, 11:07 AM

Well I have just completed a test run, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and back to Adelaide.

It goes like this...

First day each time I stopped there was a leak of coolant somewhere around the thermostat that I couldn't pin point. Each time I check the coolant bottle it was full.

Next morning I put about 2 litres into it and drove on nervously. I looked up here and found KLR in Sydney and dropped in for help. Great guy came out immediately and had a look underneath and said nothing was leaking. What the

I thought and looked bone dry???? He released the pressure under the radiator cap and it was significant so probably a stuck cap. I said only change yesterday to today was cap off and refill. His best guess stuck cap or very early signs of leaking head gasket. His advise keep going and keep an eye on it.

Bought a new genuine cap in Newcastle from 4X4 spares and fitted it and all looked good for most of the trip...

So on the way back I stopped at West Wyalong and noticed it dripping. I checked the bottle and it was still full.

So only day 1 and West Wyalong on the way back it leaked?????

A quick search shows coolant leaks or weeps are common. So to the experts is it early head gasket failure or just a land rover thing.

I am planning a low coolant alarm when funds available...

**Disco Muppet** · 9th April 2014, 11:35 AM

If you overfill the header tank it will push coolant out of the overflow until it finds a level it's happy with.
I assume you mean the header tank cap, to the best of my knowledge Td5s don't have a radiator cap.....

**DiscoKym** · 9th April 2014, 11:48 AM

Yes sorry Header Tank Cap..

1st Day was on correct level...

I did over fill it when I filled it up but it didn't seem to leak while over full, but might have pushed it out the overflow. It didn't push any out the hoses???

It is now gone down to just a little high in the header bottle without any more filling.

Was very happy on the drive as it climbs hills MUCH better than my last two Nissans..

**Redback** · 9th April 2014, 12:08 PM

Fuel Cooler, if it only leaks when left overnight, then that would be my guess.

They only leak when cold.

Baz.

**DiscoKym** · 9th April 2014, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Redback

Fuel Cooler, if it only leaks when left overnight, then that would be my guess.

They only leak when cold.

Baz.

Hi Baz,

But it leaked around the thermostat pipes when hot and stopping for a short while. Only leaked a few times and then stopped???

**Redback** · 9th April 2014, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoKym

Hi Baz,

But it leaked around the thermostat pipes when hot and stopping for a short while. Only leaked a few times and then stopped???

Sure it wasn't drips from the cooler onto the thermostat, it's almost directly above it, also it can do that, leak for a while and stop, but it always comes back, this happened to us, the good thing is they are repairable, I'd also replace the hoses connected to the Thermostat, chances are they are fairly old and need replacing.

In any case kepp an eye on it, get yourself a low coolent alarm, alloy heads don't handle continuous over heating.

Baz.

**DiscoKym** · 9th April 2014, 01:44 PM

I was running the Nanocom in instrument mode and it only went over 500 Deg C three times....

Well only instantaneously, I think some electronic gremlins.

It varied between 87 rolling down hills and about 94 working hard up hills. I watched it like a hawk for the trip in case it dropped (low coolant) or got hot (problem)..

I was thinking it's 13 years old now and unknown when the hoses were changed. However the top hose and the hidden hose look fairly new...

Tassiephile · 9th April 2014, 01:52 PM

I have been advised(by a highly respected local expert) not to run O.A.T as it has a nasty habit of leaking though the finest gaps. I've used bog standard green ethylene glycol for years without a problem- hope this is relevant. Good luck with it!

**Disco Muppet** · 9th April 2014, 01:58 PM

Not another OAT vs Glycol debate

Whatever you're running now, keep running that.

DK, have you changed the thermostat at all? I'd do as Redback suggests and change/check the hoses. Cheap insurance

**Redback** · 9th April 2014, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Disco Muppet

Not another OAT vs Glycol debate

Whatever you're running now, keep running that.

DK, have you changed the thermostat at all? I'd do as Redback suggests and change/check the hoses. Cheap insurance

Yes, I don't think people realise they come with OAT from the factory, but hey, if it has been changed run whatever is already in there as The Muppet has said.

The low coolent alarm is also cheap insurance and peace of mind.

Baz.

Thread: Coolant leak when it feels like it???

Thread Tools

Coolant leak when it feels like it???

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions