Thread: Td5 disco2 loss of power and blowing smoke

Originally Posted by bob10

Well, at 80k, 3.5 lts added, at 119k 3.5lts added, at 160k 3.5 lts added, at 176k 3,0 lts added, at 200k 3,5lts added, at 245 coolant added. What I make from that is, take your vehicle to another shop. If I had to add 3.5 lts to my coolant, once, I would be looking closely as to why. Or asking questions. Since I sorted my radiator, and hoses, if I add 100 ml of coolant , at any time, it's a rare time. If you indeed have a head gasket problem, I'd say it dates right back to 80K. Take your oil filler cap off, see if pressure comes out . Put your hand over the top, there should be no pressure. Engine running of course. Rev it up.

I see that as a coolant change every 40K, not a 'top up'. 3.5ltrs of coolant plus 3.5ltrs of water (50:50 mix as per LR) is 7ltrs which probably isnt far off a dump and fill of the coolant system.

Originally Posted by kelvo

I see that as a coolant change every 40K, not a 'top up'. 3.5ltrs of coolant plus 3.5ltrs of water (50:50 mix as per LR) is 7ltrs which probably isnt far off a dump and fill of the coolant system.

Put like that, I have to agree. However, the kms are not consistent [39, 41, 16, 24.]. I think that may fit in with the Haynes service schedule of 12 months or set no of kms, but I can't find my Haynes to confirm. I don't want to put too fine a point on it, but TD5 drivers obsess to the point of paranoia about the head gasket. Yes, it is the Elephant in the room, and overheating is the worst enemy of the TD5. An engine saver alarm and temperature moniter [ well tempered ? ] are essential pieces of kit, I believe. To an outsider, the TD5 coolant system is a nightmare, designed by English engineers as punishment for Aus. winning the ashes. That is why it is so important to try to understand how it works. A RAVE disc is essential. In this video, the gent. says change the coolant every 5 years. Not sure about that.

Land Rover Td5 Top Hose, Coolant Change and System Pressure Test - YouTube

Similar problem long time ago which was diagnosed as fuel pump faulty, both fuel pump and filter were changed and then all okay.

Originally Posted by candeniz

Hi guys. I was driving on the highway and noticed loss of power on hills and when put my foot on the gas pedal, noticed smoke coming out. Looking at the past discussions, it might either be maf sensor or oil in harness. Just checked the ecu plugs and all clean.
Would it be the maf sensor?
I'm half way thru to sydney from canberra and tossing up whether i return or continue. Rang nrma but not sure they might be of much help. Thanks.

Black smoke, blue smoke or white smoke? How much (crop dusting, or just with the foot down to the boards)?
How much power are you losing (%)?
Is it hot where you are? Could the engine be overheating?
Did you just refill the gas tank?
Do you have a clean fuel filter?

Not that I can help but I thought I would ask?

Originally Posted by Pippin

My two cents worth were based on experience. 250,000 is a common point at which head gasket failure may occur, Bob10 is very fortunate to have avoided this. It is not a case of falling for the head gasket syndrome but one of recognising the elephant in the room.
Nick

Mine went at 243,000. Plastic dowells. About 2mm of head movement if the dowells are anything to go by.

Might be a bit obvious but is the air filter clean?

Originally Posted by bob10

. An engine saver alarm and temperature moniter [ well tempered ? ] are essential pieces of kit, I believe.

Given the idiotic predilection of the temperature gauge to obstinately sit on the halfway mark until something is seriously wrong, I would have to agree. By the time that thing has registered an increase in temperature the damage is already done.

Originally Posted by Pippin

My two cents worth were based on experience. 250,000 is a common point at which head gasket failure may occur, Bob10 is very fortunate to have avoided this. It is not a case of falling for the head gasket syndrome but one of recognising the elephant in the room.
Nick

Yes, the plastic dowels are/were the problem. I was fortunate the first owners of the vehicle were Illawarra council [ think that's it] A modification notice came out and they had the mod done, plastic to steel dowels. According to the 2nd owner, a pedantic Englishman who had the paperwork for every job done on the vehicle. Lucky indeed.