Thread: Coolant loss - head gasket???

I've had the 2000 TDi5 Disco 140k (auto with ACE) for 4 years now and never a problem overheating. Even on a 48° day towing a 1ton ski boat, with the a/c on full, the temp never went over half way.
Lately (3 months) the gauge has been creeping up to 3/4, so I’ve pulled over, put water in it about 2-3 litres and all is good again. I have re-checked it once the motor cooled overnight and topped up the coolant (1/2-1 litre). Once topped up it will be 4 or 5 days later the temp will climb again. Most driving is city traffic in Melbourne, plus regular long hauls up to the Murray. So it seems to be about 10 ‘drives’ before it needs water, not distance travelled.
The local mechanic pressure tested the system (no leaks), replaced the t-stat and rad cap. Problem still occurs.
I sometimes have noticed a puddle of coolant under the motor, driver’s side, when left overnight, and suspect the overflow/header tank has a leak, but it didn’t show up in the pressure test.

Is this the warning signs of a bad head gasket, or will the gasket die because of frequent low coolant?

Sorry for the long post, but its got me stumped.
Any advice or wise words will be greatly appreciated. Beaner7102

Originally Posted by D2 pommy TD5

Sounds to me lke the water under the car overnight is possibly from your a/c drains.

The a/c has had a hole in the evaporator since Christmas so is not condensation dripping out the drain tubes (and not looking forward to pulling the dash to fix either).
Thanks Ak & Tombie I will check out the fuel cooler, the puddle is definatly mid motor area, not up front at the rad.

When I take the rad cap off (when its cold) there is a bit of air that rushes out, but it does not smell exhausty, just smells like coolant.

Thanks Beaner7102