Coolant expansion tank

Hi all,

I've just bought a 2001 Freelander 2.5 v6. Very pleased with it. I have noticed that when you shut the engine off, quite a lot of fluid drains into the coolant expansion tank (from halfway between min and max to over the max line). Is this normal? The engine doesn't appear to overheat and there's no sign of water in the oil, so I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that the head gasket's good. Any ideas or am I worrying about nothing?

Thanks

Adam

PS I'm guessing a duff radiator cap(?)

I reckon this is normal. My TD4 has done exactly the same since the day I got it 93K miles ago.

With the engine up to normal temp have a look at the tank - mine has coolant running in from the little pipe at the front all the time. When you switch off the flow continues for a short time and the level rises a bit.

Check the level in the morning with a cold engine. Mine is exactly in the middle of the min & max marks. If I were to top it up cold to the max mark within 2 days its back to the mid point. So now I check it but don't top it right up cold.

I would be 99% sure your OK.

Where does the coolant lay in the expansion tank when cold. Could be overfilled. If the coolant is bubbling etc, when engine off but hot...new coolant cap would be my first port of call.

Best check the coolant level when the engine is completely cold as the level will rise as it heats up

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm glad other people can see coolant running into the expansion tank when the engine is shut off. Very reassuring and good to know it's not just mine doing it!