loss of coolant

I have a 54 plate freelander td4 my problem is when running solo my temp guage goes to the centre 12ock but when towing my caravan the temp is still the same 12 ock but the expansion is almost empty but does not overheat cant see leaks so where is the coolant going

Is this automatic?

Do you top it up with just water or the correct mix?

Does it actually loose coolant and need topping up, or does the level return when it's cooled down?

If it's losing coolant, then check the reservoir for cracks around the filler neck.

If the level returns when cold, then your issue is likely to be air trapped in the system somewhere.

at the moment top up just water it is a manual water does not come back

GEEZEER said:

at the moment top up just water it is a manual water does not come back

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Are there cracks around the filler cap thread on the reservoir? That's the most common place to loose coolant.

doesnt appear to have any cracks if there was surely i would lose coolant all the time it only happens when towing the caravan plus there is a small amount left in the header tank

As well as the header tank cracking issue, the thermostat housing O-ring can fail causing a weep, particularly when the engine runs warmer. I've had both.

GEEZEER said:

at the moment top up just water it is a manual water does not come back

Click to expand...

Don't do that as the water will evaporate quicker from wherever it's escaping to and It will get worst with just water you will end up topping it up twice a day like I did until I did a full flush and refill. Now I just top it up every 3 months. Mix the correct mix up and top up with that.