Lpg v8 coolant level

[squaresausage]

Do v8 with lpg tend to use more coolant? Or is it something else?

The coolant level in the reservoir has dropped from max to min in 4 weeks ( regular use) can't see any obvious leaks but seems to be a lot of moisture out the exhaust system.

I'm a newbie to lpg so please be gentle with me.

 

[dolphinboy]

NO that is not normal. The leak could be coming from your water pump at the front (look for brown water spraying around or on the ground). Or it could be one of the 4 hoses especially the one difficult to get at/see at the back.

 

[squaresausage]

That's the strange thing, there is no puddles of water/coolant or spray residue in the engine bay and No sludge on the oil cap. I'm concerned its something more sinister, the lpg system is getting a service on Monday.

Then got a 400 mile trip to Great Yarmouth on Tuesday, wish me luck. AA membership is up to date

 

[Saint.V8]

Mine drank coolant...discovered a tiny stone chip in the fron of the Rad...with the heat, it was drying out before you could find the leak until it got quite bad...

Then it was a split hose....

Then the Water Pump failed....

All didn't leave much of a puddle...well the rad did after a while....

The Expansion Tanks have been known to develope hair line cracks underneath....

 

[ovalandrover]

Heater matrix o rings look for wet drivers side floor mat

 

[Saint.V8]

Heater matrix o rings look for wet drivers side floor mat

Talking L322 not the P38

 

[squaresausage]

Will do some more investigation? Do the v8 have a history of cylinder head gasket failure like the old freelander?

 

[sandyt]

Are we talking p38 here if so as Saint says it is more than possible to have a leak that that evaporates question here is - is there any pressurisation of the system and are you checking cold against cold I have had most of the coolant problems and worked my way through them currently replacing the heater matrix
I have run mine on lpg for 8 yrs and can confirm that you should use no coolant at all and if you donrt sort it it will be heads off afraid also in this weather the gas does tend to give off more vapour

 

[Saint.V8]

are we talking p38 here if so as saint says it is more than possible to have a leak that that evaporates question here is - is there any pressurisation of the system and are you checking cold against cold i have had most of the coolant problems and worked my way through them currently replacing the heater matrix
i have run mine on lpg for 8 yrs and can confirm that you should use no coolant at all and if you donrt sort it it will be heads off afraid also in this weather the gas does tend to give off more vapour

l322.....

 

[Saint.V8]

Will do some more investigation? Do the v8 have a history of cylinder head gasket failure like the old freelander?

Not that I have heard from the BMW 4.4 .... VANOS wear, PCV Valve Problems but the rest is fairly bullet proof

 

[rewmer]

Possible heater matrix or valley pan gasket. Look for staining on the bell housing for the valley pan. There is a weep hole on the back of the engine.

 

[squaresausage]

After my long run from Scotland to Great Yarmouth (and back) my coolant level is down to minimum from full. And more concerning there is a white residue on the oil dip stick.

Still can't see any obvious water/coolant leaks, I'm worried this is going to get messy.

Any ideas?

The engine sounded fine on the drive down and up and no fluctuation on temp gauge.

 

[Datatek]

After my long run from Scotland to Great Yarmouth (and back) my coolant level is down to minimum from full. And more concerning there is a white residue on the oil dip stick.

Still can't see any obvious water/coolant leaks, I'm worried this is going to get messy.

Any ideas?

The engine sounded fine on the drive down and up and no fluctuation on temp gauge.

I know nothing about that engine but sounds like HGF to me

 

[Saint.V8]

Hmmmm...sounds iffy...

Time for a sniff test on the coolant!

 

[Datatek]

Hmmmm...sounds iffy...

Time for a sniff test on the coolant!

If the HGF is into an oil way, nothing will show on a sniff test IMO

 

[squaresausage]

Mine drank coolant...discovered a tiny stone chip in the fron of the Rad...with the heat, it was drying out before you could find the leak until it got quite bad...

Then it was a split hose....

Then the Water Pump failed....

All didn't leave much of a puddle...well the rad did after a while....

The Expansion Tanks have been known to develope hair line cracks underneath....

Where is the water pump? and could it have anything todo with the residue in the oil?

 

[Saint.V8]

If the HGF is into an oil way, nothing will show on a sniff test IMO

True...if it was t'other way maybe a sniff would have helped!

Where is the water pump? and could it have anything todo with the residue in the oil?

The Waterpump is right at the front of the engine connected to the fan....

See my How To in the How To section for further info!

 

[squaresausage]

What r the symptoms of a failing water pump? How much is it going to cost to fix ?

Looking at the main belt driven cooling fan there seems to be some movement in the spindle of the fan, does that mean the bearings are shot?

 

[Saint.V8]

What r the symptoms of a failing water pump? How much is it going to cost to fix ?

Looking at the main belt driven cooling fan there seems to be some movement in the spindle of the fan, does that mean the bearings are shot?

If there is movement in the spindle, that is mor ethan likely your issue....

Failing water pump would be coolant loss and overheating....
sometimes you can get a grumbling noise from the bearings, but doubtful you could hear it in the car! squealing belt if it seizes

I bought my Water Pump for £70 odd from a local Autofactors...took me about 5 hours or so to fit, as I had never done it before and I was also taking pictures for the How To.....read that explains all!!

 

[squaresausage]

Would the water pump failure give the oil residue symptoms ?