Freelander 1 K-series coolant leak - thermostat housing and coolant rail damp

On KHD, my 2001 1.8S, I’ve had an intermittent coolant loss and more recently, a pungent smell of coolant. Old cars are always interesting and find it amusing that running an older car usually involves all the senses!

The head gasket is fine, but after a bit of “Communing” time with my engine, I’ve found that there is a damp area under the thermostat housing and coolant rail. I suspect that the thermostat housing seal is no longer sealing...

Anyone had experience with these? Access is awkward: I suspect I may need to remove the inlet manifold first (sigh)

Any thoughts chaps?

It could be any one of three rubber joints. I'd replace the thermostat housing completely.
Put a smear of plumber's silicone grease on the O rings before fitting the thermostat to reduce the chance of the O rings snagging.

It's a pain to get to the thermostat on the FL1, but with a combination of access from above and through the steering hole in the wing, it is possible.

Thanks Nodge - I was giving that (replacing the thermostat housing) some thought: I'll need to take it out any way, and I can't be sure whether the problem is one of the sealing 'O'-rings or a crack in the thermostat housing itself. In a previous life, the engine had certainly been severely overheated (and hence the head turning to cheese) - so it is entirely conceivable that the housing has been damaged...

I shall practice some yoga before attacking the thermostat housing! LOL

Looks as though I'll just need to mobilise the coolant rail and then release 3 housing retaining screws to get it out - just the challenging access to think about

Changing an MGF thermostat is much easier than doing the same operation on the FL1.

I think I'll need the arms of Mr Tickle and triple-jointed wrists. Other than that, should be a doddle...