Disco 1 Leaking Heater Core

Dear group,
Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again, and
is demanding me to spend some money on her.
It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
vents).
At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning is
also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
removed to replace the heater core?
Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
buggered?

Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?

As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and depositing
it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
least the roof rack is undamaged :-/

Cheers,

Chookie
'98 300Tdi Discovery SE
Perth, Western Australia

The air con comp is controled by a thermostat in the chiller core, it's set
to 5deg C ish, so the compressor will cut in and out, this one fooled me for
a while 'till I studied the electrical circuit. Check the air temp with the
controls set at full cool. If its not at about 5C then it could be low on
gas (refigerent).

Peter.

"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Dear group,
> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
and
> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
> vents).
> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
is
> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
> removed to replace the heater core?
> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
> buggered?
>
> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
>
> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
depositing
> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
>
> Cheers,
>
> Chookie
> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
> Perth, Western Australia
>
>
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.709 / Virus Database: 465 - Release Date: 22/06/2004

The air con comp is controled by a thermostat in the chiller core, it's set
to 5deg C ish, so the compressor will cut in and out, this one fooled me for
a while 'till I studied the electrical circuit. Check the air temp with the
controls set at full cool. If its not at about 5C then it could be low on
gas (refigerent).

Peter.

"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Dear group,
> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
and
> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
> vents).
> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
is
> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
> removed to replace the heater core?
> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
> buggered?
>
> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
>
> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
depositing
> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
>
> Cheers,
>
> Chookie
> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
> Perth, Western Australia
>
>
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.709 / Virus Database: 465 - Release Date: 22/06/2004

Felt adventurous on the weekend and decided to replace the leaking heater
core... Paid $330 AUD for the genuine LR part and was advised that it is a
big job and that I should allow 1/2 days labour...(famous last words)

After removing the console, centre section of the dash, the instrument
binnacle and instruments themselves, I came to the conclusion that there is
absolutely no way known to remove the heater core (which was frustratingly
visible immediately after removing the console) without removing the entire
dashboard assembly from the vehicle due to a 2 inch strip of dashboard lying
in front of the heater assembly. ( if only this section was removable!)
I despondently replaced all that I removed and have decided to live without
a heater (we don't really need one anyway, I tell myself) and bypassed it
out of the engine coolant cycle. Chances are it would only start to leak
again in 5 years time anyway :-(
This is a common problem with Disco's apparently.

Getting back to basics ;-)
Cheers,
Chookie

"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Dear group,
> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
and
> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
> vents).
> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
is
> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
> removed to replace the heater core?
> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
> buggered?
>
> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
>
> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,

> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
depositing
> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
>
> Cheers,
>
> Chookie
> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
> Perth, Western Australia
>
>
>
>

Chooky;
No, I don't think you need a heater in WA but we here in Canberra do. Last night
it was minus 7 (-seven) here. I never had any problems with the coolant/heating
circuit in my 1993 Tdi Disco. Have you used a good liquid such as Glycol to
prevent corrosion and other damage to the internals ?. Only last week I
installed a new thermostat ($A22.50) as the original would not fully open and
the gauge only went up to the second line or about 1/4 full scale.
In your case I would suggest to add some leak preventative such as "Bars leaks".
NULON now make good stuff too. There are many good sealers on the market now.
Please let me know how you go.
Good luck
Frank In frosty Canberra

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,



"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
: Felt adventurous on the weekend and decided to replace the leaking heater
: core... Paid $330 AUD for the genuine LR part and was advised that it is a
: big job and that I should allow 1/2 days labour...(famous last words)
:
: After removing the console, centre section of the dash, the instrument
: binnacle and instruments themselves, I came to the conclusion that there is
: absolutely no way known to remove the heater core (which was frustratingly
: visible immediately after removing the console) without removing the entire
: dashboard assembly from the vehicle due to a 2 inch strip of dashboard lying
: in front of the heater assembly. ( if only this section was removable!)
: I despondently replaced all that I removed and have decided to live without
: a heater (we don't really need one anyway, I tell myself) and bypassed it
: out of the engine coolant cycle. Chances are it would only start to leak
: again in 5 years time anyway :-(
: This is a common problem with Disco's apparently.
:
: Getting back to basics ;-)
: Cheers,
: Chookie
:
: "R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
: news:[email protected]...
: > Dear group,
: > Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
: and
: > is demanding me to spend some money on her.
: > It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
: > evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
: > vents).
: > At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
: is
: > also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
: > Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
: > Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
: > removed to replace the heater core?
: > Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
: > buggered?
: >
: > Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
: >
: > As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
:
: > popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
: depositing
: > it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
: > least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
: >
: > Cheers,
: >
: > Chookie
: > '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
: > Perth, Western Australia
: >
: >
: >
: >
:
:

Hi Chookie,
are you sure the core is the problem or is it the 2 "O" rings
that are in the pipes that join the heater core to the pipes from the
engine (this is a common problem) ?
The removal of the heater core requires that the AC line is disrupted,
so you will need to get it degassed and regassed properly. Sounds like
you are going to need to do this anyhow.

Cheers

Phillip Simpson









On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 22:49:24 +0800, "R & K Fowler"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Felt adventurous on the weekend and decided to replace the leaking heater
>core... Paid $330 AUD for the genuine LR part and was advised that it is a
>big job and that I should allow 1/2 days labour...(famous last words)
>
>After removing the console, centre section of the dash, the instrument
>binnacle and instruments themselves, I came to the conclusion that there is
>absolutely no way known to remove the heater core (which was frustratingly
>visible immediately after removing the console) without removing the entire
>dashboard assembly from the vehicle due to a 2 inch strip of dashboard lying
>in front of the heater assembly. ( if only this section was removable!)
>I despondently replaced all that I removed and have decided to live without
>a heater (we don't really need one anyway, I tell myself) and bypassed it
>out of the engine coolant cycle. Chances are it would only start to leak
>again in 5 years time anyway :-(
>This is a common problem with Disco's apparently.
>
>Getting back to basics ;-)
>Cheers,
>Chookie
>
>"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Dear group,
>> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
>and
>> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
>> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
>> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
>> vents).
>> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
>is
>> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
>> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
>> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
>> removed to replace the heater core?
>> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
>> buggered?
>>
>> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
>>
>> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
>
>> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
>depositing
>> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
>> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Chookie
>> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
>> Perth, Western Australia
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

Definetly the matrix

The Bloke at the place from where I bought the replacement from did point
out that the O rings could be a potential place of leaking (even said that
the pipeing was causing an occasional source as well) but in my case, they
are fine..(he did say that the O rings and there quirky clamps were not the
greatest idea to come out of Landrover as everything had to be aligned
perfectly to get a good seal.)
Something like 98% of leaks are in the Matrix due to a weak point. Some of
the earlier model's heater core had plastic tanks and used to leak between
the plastic tanks and the core (remedied with an aftermarket matrix with
brass tanks), but in my case it is all alloy with no aftermarket options.
Surprisingly, he reckons the '98 model is easier to replace so I would hate
to think about the earlier models.

It is even the more frustrating as this car was routinely serviced and only
the recommended coolants used so I can't even blame "going on the cheap and
cutting corners" as being at fault.
Cheers,
Chookie

"Phillip Simpson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Chookie,
> are you sure the core is the problem or is it the 2 "O" rings
> that are in the pipes that join the heater core to the pipes from the
> engine (this is a common problem) ?
> The removal of the heater core requires that the AC line is disrupted,
> so you will need to get it degassed and regassed properly. Sounds like
> you are going to need to do this anyhow.
>
> Cheers
>
> Phillip Simpson
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 22:49:24 +0800, "R & K Fowler"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Felt adventurous on the weekend and decided to replace the leaking heater
> >core... Paid $330 AUD for the genuine LR part and was advised that it is
a
> >big job and that I should allow 1/2 days labour...(famous last words)
> >
> >After removing the console, centre section of the dash, the instrument
> >binnacle and instruments themselves, I came to the conclusion that there
is
> >absolutely no way known to remove the heater core (which was
frustratingly
> >visible immediately after removing the console) without removing the
entire
> >dashboard assembly from the vehicle due to a 2 inch strip of dashboard
lying
> >in front of the heater assembly. ( if only this section was removable!)
> >I despondently replaced all that I removed and have decided to live
without
> >a heater (we don't really need one anyway, I tell myself) and bypassed it
> >out of the engine coolant cycle. Chances are it would only start to leak
> >again in 5 years time anyway :-(
> >This is a common problem with Disco's apparently.
> >
> >Getting back to basics ;-)
> >Cheers,
> >Chookie
> >
> >"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> Dear group,
> >> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
> >and
> >> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
> >> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this
was
> >> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the
dash
> >> vents).
> >> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air
Conditioning
> >is
> >> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then
disengages.
> >> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
> >> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
> >> removed to replace the heater core?
> >> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and
also
> >> buggered?
> >>
> >> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant
vapour?
> >>
> >> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree
branch,
> >
> >> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
> >depositing
> >> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the
ground...At
> >> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
> >>
> >> Cheers,
> >>
> >> Chookie
> >> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
> >> Perth, Western Australia
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
>

Hi Chookie,
are you sure the core is the problem or is it the 2 "O" rings
that are in the pipes that join the heater core to the pipes from the
engine (this is a common problem) ?
The removal of the heater core requires that the AC line is disrupted,
so you will need to get it degassed and regassed properly. Sounds like
you are going to need to do this anyhow.

Cheers

Phillip Simpson









On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 22:49:24 +0800, "R & K Fowler"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Felt adventurous on the weekend and decided to replace the leaking heater
>core... Paid $330 AUD for the genuine LR part and was advised that it is a
>big job and that I should allow 1/2 days labour...(famous last words)
>
>After removing the console, centre section of the dash, the instrument
>binnacle and instruments themselves, I came to the conclusion that there is
>absolutely no way known to remove the heater core (which was frustratingly
>visible immediately after removing the console) without removing the entire
>dashboard assembly from the vehicle due to a 2 inch strip of dashboard lying
>in front of the heater assembly. ( if only this section was removable!)
>I despondently replaced all that I removed and have decided to live without
>a heater (we don't really need one anyway, I tell myself) and bypassed it
>out of the engine coolant cycle. Chances are it would only start to leak
>again in 5 years time anyway :-(
>This is a common problem with Disco's apparently.
>
>Getting back to basics ;-)
>Cheers,
>Chookie
>
>"R & K Fowler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Dear group,
>> Well, it appears that my beloved Disco is feeling neglected once again,
>and
>> is demanding me to spend some money on her.
>> It appears that the heater core has developed an internal leak (this was
>> evidenced by the aroma of coolant and a fine mist emanating form the dash
>> vents).
>> At the same time and I am not sure if it is related, the Air Conditioning
>is
>> also playing up. The compressor engages for 10-20secs and then disengages.
>> Now for the questions... Is the heater core easily replaced?
>> Are there any Air-con components that will need to be disconnected or
>> removed to replace the heater core?
>> Is the leak in the core affecting the air-con or is it unrelated and also
>> buggered?
>>
>> Is anyone aware of any adverse health implications of the coolant vapour?
>>
>> As if this isn't enough, my wife has just reversed into a low tree branch,
>
>> popping the roof rack off the roof (bending all the gutters) and
>depositing
>> it onto the bonnet (leaving a nasty dent) before hitting the ground...At
>> least the roof rack is undamaged :-/
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Chookie
>> '98 300Tdi Discovery SE
>> Perth, Western Australia
>>
>>
>>
>>
>