coolant Loss

Hi Guys
Problem I'm losing coolant on my 2004 TD4. I cant see any leaks but have noticed clear water around the engine oil filler cap, coincidence? The coolant colour is fine and there is no gunge on the dipstick, though the level is reading high. Probably a coincidence but the EML light is coming on on motorway trips after I put millers fuel additive in to sort out a rough idle, disappeared instantly. Any help much appreciated. Ta!

Put an egg in the expansion tank, that will sort it....has to be free ranged thou.....pinch of salt to for good measure if you like

Take the sump guard oft under the engine and look for leaks. Radiator, heater matrix (damp passenger footwell), auto oil cooler if it's an auto, pipes, joints, splits...

You would be betterer to put the egg in 2 slices of bread with bacon. It won't solve yer leak.

Top of expansion tank cracked?

Heater matrix leaking?

but have noticed clear water around the engine oil filler cap,

Click to expand...

rain water

*it will get into the rail fuel pressure sensor wiring harness as well
good idea to check the fuel rail sensor plug contacts for corrosion .. clean them ..
and smear some 'contralube' on them
Contralube | Contralube 770

*see :
ROVER 75 MGZT ENGINE FAULT FINDING
( item 'D' )

to stop rainwater from collecting around the oil filler cap
drill a couple of small holes in the 'dish' at the 9-o-clock position ( offside u.k. )

Thanks a lot for that guys, much appreciated. I am currently struggling to get the undertray of and cursing the people that design theses things. Hope I find a leak at the end of it

Grant19 said:

Thanks a lot for that guys, much appreciated. I am currently struggling to get the undertray of and cursing the people that design theses things. Hope I find a leak at the end of it

Click to expand...

8 bolts... it comes off as a complete thing. don't try and take the plastic off separately.

hd3 said:

rain water

*it will get into the rail fuel pressure sensor wiring harness as well
good idea to check the fuel rail sensor plug contacts for corrosion .. clean them ..
and smear some 'contralube' on them
Contralube | Contralube 770

*see :
ROVER 75 MGZT ENGINE FAULT FINDING
( item 'D' )

to stop rainwater from collecting around the oil filler cap
drill a couple of small holes in the 'dish' at the 9-o-clock position ( offside u.k. )

Click to expand...

Could also be leaking from the screen water nozzle , As the L shape extender part splits with age , I just removed the L shape and fitted new pipe strait to the nozzle ?

Coolant loss ? water pump leaked on mine , coolant tank as mentioned , The pipe going into bulk head past air filter housing can wear through .

Hi, am not much of a mechanic and a relative newbie to owning a Landy, but noticed my Freelander has been losing coolant. Not any major amount but seem to keep needing to top it up and having read up on here suggestion is that I should NOT ignore it and resolve it sooner rather than later. So having trawled through various threads on this (incredibly helpful!) forum have deduced that the Coolant Expansion Tank appears to have small fine cracks in the top, under where the cap screws on. Which coupled with visible traces of what appears an almost crystalized residue under the cap, seems to confirm this is where it's going. As all pipes and connections seem to be okay and not getting any puddles, plus oil seems fine.....

So my question is, how easy is it to replace the expansion tank? Have had a look online and they don't appear expensive. So thinking about doing it myself, but don't want to get into it and then regret it later! For example is it a DIY job, or would I need any specialist equipment?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Yes it is an easy diy job .
I got a genuine LR one & new cap from the local dealer as some of the cheaper tanks ( ebay ) don't last !
If I remember you pull of the small top return pipe , Then with pliers nip the clip in and remove bottom hose ( catching the small bit of coolant in a bowl ) , Then the tank is held in by a screw ? . Replace with new tank & cap , Replace pipes and coolant

Yes it is an easy job. I had to do it on my 2006 TD4.

Thanks much appreciated, shall give it a go then. Thanks for the advice!

I have now come to the conclusion it's not the expansion tank. As although there are several hair line cracks none appear to actually go right through to the exterior of the tank.

So further investigation with a torch I have noticed pink coolant down the far side of the radiator...................


Is this something which can be fixed easily and cheaply. Or is this my first big Td4 garage bill looming??? One thing I am not sure is whether the radiator fan is kicking in, which I guess may well be linked. Not certain but don't recall ever hearing it kick in and it looks like it hasn't moved for a while. Am also having air-con issues too, which I am pretty sure is leaking. As had that topped up recently which gave me lovely cool air for two weeks. But now just blowing warm air again.......