My 1.8 Freelander has started to use a small amount of coolant. Took it to local Landrover guy (Ex LR engineer) who I know and trust and he said this can be early signs of Head gasket failiure. He pressure tested the cooling system, pressure tested the head and block and visually inspected the cooling system...he says that there are no external leaks and no obvious signs of HG failiure but it could be such a small leak in the gasket that wouldn't show on the pressure tests. He has said that I should just monitor and go back immediately if the loss becomes more rapid. What I want to know is if the coolant could be going anywhere else like perhaps leaking from the cap or something. Or for other Freelander owners if their Freelanders naturally do use some coolant. Sometimes it seems it doesn't drop at all and other times it does. It is hard to quantify how much is being lost by I would say the coolant drops by about 0.5cm every 300 - 350 miles...Lots of people are telling me to get rid now but I love the car and don't want to get rid if I don't have to!!
Using Coolant
- Thread starter dtownsend
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My 1.8 Freelander has started to use a small amount of coolant. Took it to local Landrover guy (Ex LR engineer) who I know and trust and he said this can be early signs of Head gasket failiure. He pressure tested the cooling system, pressure tested the head and block and visually inspected the cooling system...he says that there are no external leaks and no obvious signs of HG failiure but it could be such a small leak in the gasket that wouldn't show on the pressure tests. He has said that I should just monitor and go back immediately if the loss becomes more rapid. What I want to know is if the coolant could be going anywhere else like perhaps leaking from the cap or something. Or for other Freelander owners if their Freelanders naturally do use some coolant. Sometimes it seems it doesn't drop at all and other times it does. It is hard to quantify how much is being lost by I would say the coolant drops by about 0.5cm every 300 - 350 miles...Lots of people are telling me to get rid now but I love the car and don't want to get rid if I don't have to!!
clutchdust
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could be head gasket or heater matrix, or both!!
if the cooling system is over pressurising due to head gasket failure, it can cause the heater matrix to leak.
at the moment, its such a small amount being lost, i wouldn't worry too much, just keep an eye on it
if the cooling system is over pressurising due to head gasket failure, it can cause the heater matrix to leak.
at the moment, its such a small amount being lost, i wouldn't worry too much, just keep an eye on it
cartman690
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I would say your LR guy is giving you good advice chap, keep an eye on it and if it gets worse it should only cost you a hg and labour if you were to rant it and loose most coolant then it would be pricey...the header tanks can crack around the filler, they're cheap enough to replace...good luck feller keep an eye on it...I'm sure youl get good advice on here...
dearot
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dtownsend said:
if its just a small leak you may to use K-Seal or other "radiator stop leak" product. They are woking well.
Northern Irelander
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dtownsend said:
I would change the filler cap, sometimes they dont keep the coolant system pressurised and a small amount evaporates. Only few pounds to replace.
A very small leak should show up on a cylinder pressure test. Check your dipstick for traces of emulsified oil and water, looks like mayo.
If coolant is being lost via leak or into engine then an air lock will form. This can be heard when you start the engine from cold, it will sound like a bubbling/gurgling noise when you accelerate in neutral from the heater matrix (LHS of bulkhead).
The fact that people tell you to get shot of, is the sort of mentality that prevents things being rectified properly. All too often people send the car up the road for the next person to worry about. My advice is find a car you like and stick to it. I have had hgf in my Freelander, and other probs but still rate it as a good all rounder and intend on keeping it
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I agree (partly ) with lr - the pressure check doesnt test the cap - and they are cheap - replace that to start with. The system runs hot so MUST BE PRESSURISED - if it isn't it can cook.
You dont say if you have the remote thermostat mod - I suggest that you get this done, if not already; and keep a very close eye on it.
) with lr - the pressure check doesnt test the cap - and they are cheap - replace that to start with. The system runs hot so MUST BE PRESSURISED - if it isn't it can cook.You dont say if you have the remote thermostat mod - I suggest that you get this done, if not already; and keep a very close eye on it.
Mine's been losing coolant (2001 V6) for some time. It's quite bad now and Im replacing about a pint a week (100miles). 1st investigation found the header cracked, but sadly this obviously wasnt it. Like yours, pressure and toxicity tests found no damage to HG and Ive been relieved to find that although I cant see the leak, I can smell the coolant cooking somewhere on the block. So when it goes in to the garage to track this down, Im 99.9% sure it wont be HG related...Watch this space
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£0.50 says its the thermostat housing or the outlet pipe - they were broken on mine - right in the middle of the "V" at the bag - its a pig (sorry porky) to get to - loadsadosh
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its a "dismantle half the engine bay" jobby - find a garage that dont charge £80 an hour!
Stringy601
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Crikey, worry when you're putting in a pint or more every time you go 10 miles or so (like mine did!).
Mine was diagnosed with leaky hose, which didnt solve it and then manifold gasket?! (think they mean head gasket??, but hey I'm female what would i know eh????.....)
Mine was diagnosed with leaky hose, which didnt solve it and then manifold gasket?! (think they mean head gasket??, but hey I'm female what would i know eh????.....)
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problem is - yu get paranoic! - every squeek, rattle, hiss or grumble has one asking "wot is it this time? £££££"
Northern Irelander
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The Mad Hat Man said:
So was this the cause of the coolant bubbling in the expansion tank?
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not sure - lol
when garage took out engine to do HGF - they noticed outlet pipe was cracked with slight coolant leak into "V" of engine. This would, of course, allow ingress of air, but "sniffer" test said "combustion gases in water" so HGF as well - dunno - just paid out an arm and a leg to have hgf, liner height check, head porosity check and new coolant pipes and thermo
when garage took out engine to do HGF - they noticed outlet pipe was cracked with slight coolant leak into "V" of engine. This would, of course, allow ingress of air, but "sniffer" test said "combustion gases in water" so HGF as well - dunno - just paid out an arm and a leg to have hgf, liner height check, head porosity check and new coolant pipes and thermo
Stringy601
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This is very true! Took the dog for a walk the other day and on hte way home (in the Freelander) could hear this weird noise... turned off radio, opened windows... yep definate noise... pulled over to check tyres, um weird engine stopped not moving but still this strange noise! I then remembered very knackered dog in back who was panting like ten men! hence strange noise!!! Felt very very stupid
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but relieved, i bet?
Check the bottom of the radiator........you may find signs of corrosion.My Freeklander started losing coolant the same way and it turned out to be the radiator core.It was only losing coolant under pressure and did not show up on a pressure test for some unknown reason.The core fell apart when the rad was removed.The level will rise and fall as the engine heats up and cools down,but the level should ultimately remain the same with no topping up required......flyboy2dtownsend said:
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mornin' Flyboy.
I woz beginning to feel a bit on my own here for a while
I woz beginning to feel a bit on my own here for a while
Morning m8,just thought I would see if any Freeklanders have blown up overnight,by the way any ideas on the rear window.It wouldn't reset after removing the battery and the rear wiper stopped working at the same time.Somebody suggested the wiper motor is faulty and the window sensor is unable to recognise the position of the window wiper,but this seems a little strange even for one of these.I recharged the A/C last night and that is now working,no signs of a leak though....flyboy2The Mad Hat Man said:mornin' Flyboy.
I woz beginning to feel a bit on my own here for a while
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