P38A Leak!

After 10 years mostly problem free motoring, I now have what I think is a coolant leak.
It is definitely not AC as this has not worked for several years.
The car is a 1999 4.6 HSE.
The water is dripping from beneath the LH exhaust manifold. I have taken a picture.



This picture is taken from below the car-you can see a drip of water from the block below where it says 3.
I've looked all around the engine and cannot see where it is from.
Any help as always greatly appreciated.

Steve

If there are no pipes in the vicinity then I would think it's head gasket leaking

Bloody hope not!

Will have another look-but seems to be coming from under the exhaust manifold-so HG a definite possibility!

Still not too bad for 10 years (relatively problem free) service!

Would like to get another 10 years out of it.

Steve

Could it be coming from the valley gasket and wandering?

Thanks
Could be-I know I shouldn't-but I'm going to chuck in some rad-weld first. Then book it in to my local garage if still leaking. It's been a cracking car so worth spending a few quid on.

Steve

Clean current leak......get a pressure testing kit......pressurise the system......and lay under car watching.....

To add excitement, get some UV dye, add to coolant, do the above with a black light.

Thanks,
Haven't had time to have a proper look yet. Are there any core plugs in this area?

Cheers

Steve

I don't think there are any core plugs in this area if i'm right in this is the passenger side front of the block.
I'd clean the area around this - especially above where the cylinder head joins the block & look for where further leaks are coming from as if the leak is running down from the head / block join it would point more to head gasket leaking from the front water passage to the head (& this is the usual HG failure point). If above the join i'd be looking at the valley gasket or even the throttle body heater plate if it's a THOR.
Still, 10 years is bloody good going for head gaskets!

Thanks-will have a look!

Steve

Had another look and it appears to e weeping from the head gasket.
Will have to get it done-million dollar question-how much?

Steve

Would be around £500 - £600 up my way depending whether you have both done - recommended whilst everything is off. Last thing you need is the other bank to go shortly after (experience speaking here). Might also need heads checked / skimmed.
You could do it yourself. I'd say 3 days tops first time & around £150 in parts, will also need torque wrench, sockets etc if you don't have them already. It's easier than you would imagine, just a case of removing lots of components. The exhaust manifold bolts can be a PITA, especially after at least 10 years.

Thanks Martyn,
Have the gear may give it a go-have other cars so can take my time-can also put it in my garage.
Have done lots of jobs on cars but the only head gasket was a Sherpa 1800!

Thanks

Steve

Good man!
The Rover V8 is pretty simple to work on. Just take your time, label everything up so you know where it all goes back. I'm no home mechanic but I found it all pretty straight forward. Just make sure you use good quality gaskets (Elring) / bolts etc. I use Turner Engineering for parts as i find the kits from Island consist mainly of Britpart which arnt the best fit.

Thanks Martyn,
Will get the gaskets from Turner-I take it the head bolts don't need changing?

Steve

No worries,
Head bolts MUST be changed, they are stretch bolts so cannot be used again.

Thanks Martyn!

Steve