Expansion tank on TD5 Defender

lightning · Dec 6, 2014

My 2005 Defender seems to vent a few drops of water via the expansion tank cap. It's not enough to affect the water level, but every time l lift the bonnet (about once a week) to check the oil etc the tank shows a few drops of coolant on the outside.

I seem to recall that our last Defender did this as well, l am hoping it's not a sign of anything serious.
I never had to top up the water on that one either, but if l did put any in it always ended up just below the middle of the tank.

Does the cap itself ever need changing? I will try that first.

fanatic · Dec 6, 2014

Check for cracked bottle, replace cap with new.

Go for drive and see how hard rad hose goes

lightning · Dec 6, 2014

OK thanks will do.

Brown · Dec 6, 2014

If it's any comfort, mine does this too. The fluid hardly goes down but I often find drops of coolant on the outside of the container. I was wondering whether the head gasket might be blowing a bit but in 35000 miles it hasn't shown any further signs of a blown head gasket so I've ceased worrying. I think the fluid sloshes around as you drive and gets pushed out of the breather on the top of the cap by the 1.4 bar operating pressure.

lightning · Dec 6, 2014

I went for a drive, gave it some stick, stopped, and the radiator hoses were not hard. I'll fit a new cap and just keep an eye on it.

Landyfox · Dec 6, 2014

fanatic said:
Check for cracked bottle, replace cap with new.

Go for drive and see how hard rad hose goes

I second this ^ +1

lightning · Dec 6, 2014

Well, l tested it again and the radiator top hose is harder after a drive, although l imagine some pressure is normal.
I am still able to squeeze the hose in with my thumb and finger, but not right to the centre. Somebody with a stronger grip might manage it though!
If there's a problem l take it the top hose is rock hard and cannot be compressed with a finger and thumb?

Brown · Dec 6, 2014

Somebody said that it should feel a bit like a tennis ball. Much harder and it could mean that you're getting some pressure from a leaky head gasket.

Galvernisednuts · Dec 7, 2014

2.2 and 2.4 Tdci uses the same bottle and they do it on loads especially if worked or heavy towing. I see loads everyday so I'm not bullsh1ting
Most need a very minor top up I reckon ul find a new cap does it soon after but it seems to vary per vehicle

Expansion tank on TD5 Defender

lightning

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fanatic

RESPECT IS EARNED, BEATINGS ARE FREE ;-)

lightning

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Brown

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lightning

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Landyfox

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lightning

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Brown

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Galvernisednuts

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