Coolant Problem

Hi everyone, i'm new new to the forum and have a problem with my 1987 defender 90TD is using about a lite of coolant mix per 50 miles approx. There are no leaks that i am aware of. The coolant mix is also very brown in colour.
Any ideas folks?

The brown colour is only rust very common with older engines but would also suggest a lack of anti freeze. If there are no external leaks then i would say that there is a good chance that your head gasket is leaking (check your oil level isn't too high) if thats ok then maybe its burning it. I would advise a pressure test first this will show any leaks if external or just a pressure drop if internal.

The engine oil is a little high. Ill drain some out. If it still uses alot of water then ill get a compression test done. As for the water looking brown, i think your right because it does look rusty!!

Why does everyone think of head gasket all the time for coolant loss. The amount of coolant being lost is high. Check for leaks when the temp is high as again I will state I do not own a land rover and have to be jealous of everyone else but I suspect that the coolant is in a pressurised system and may be leaking under high tmp and pressure. The first thing to replace if there are no leaks is the radiator cap which is a valve that can release pressure when it gets to much. If it is a bit old it can be coolant escaping through the cap.

Now if you say to me my oil has gone all creamy or my coolant looks like a rainbow then I would be hinting at gasket.

Does anyone use these forums, it seems pretty dead.

Relatively quiet on here.


Try http://forums.mud-club.com/ If you want constant posting about 4x4s

what coolant problem!