Hello I am fairly new to range rover ownership having owned my 2003 4.4V8 for about 7 months or so.
During that time I have had to replace various hoses in the engine as these have blown off (1 case) or perished. The car has been using coolant and eventually after the replacement hoses the specialist garage said the radiator required replacement.
After the new radiator I then had approx 2 months and 3000 miles of driving with no problems at all when the coolant indicator came on. The water bottle was low and I topped up, since this time the leak has got worse and worse. I now do a daily check to do my 6 mile commute.
I took my car to a local garage this time who conducted a general service and tested the cooling system to which he reported back he thinks the head gasket has gone. He used a test which he claims is 99% accurate whereby you take a sample of water???
I am in 2 minds what to do now as the head gasket on a 4.4V8 is major. My car runs fine and performs fine, there is no white smoke the water is normal and the oil is normal.
I noticed this morning a wet patch on the drive and when tested the water tasted sweet (coolant). This confirms to me the coolant is still leaking from somewhere at the back of the engine? I have had pipes replaced here before.
When I spoke to my local specialist he confirmed he has NEVER had to change a head gasket in a 4.4V8. I am wondering if I am very unlucky or if my diagnosis is incorrect.
I am not sure what to do next so any advise would be greatly appreciated.
During that time I have had to replace various hoses in the engine as these have blown off (1 case) or perished. The car has been using coolant and eventually after the replacement hoses the specialist garage said the radiator required replacement.
After the new radiator I then had approx 2 months and 3000 miles of driving with no problems at all when the coolant indicator came on. The water bottle was low and I topped up, since this time the leak has got worse and worse. I now do a daily check to do my 6 mile commute.
I took my car to a local garage this time who conducted a general service and tested the cooling system to which he reported back he thinks the head gasket has gone. He used a test which he claims is 99% accurate whereby you take a sample of water???
I am in 2 minds what to do now as the head gasket on a 4.4V8 is major. My car runs fine and performs fine, there is no white smoke the water is normal and the oil is normal.
I noticed this morning a wet patch on the drive and when tested the water tasted sweet (coolant). This confirms to me the coolant is still leaking from somewhere at the back of the engine? I have had pipes replaced here before.
When I spoke to my local specialist he confirmed he has NEVER had to change a head gasket in a 4.4V8. I am wondering if I am very unlucky or if my diagnosis is incorrect.
I am not sure what to do next so any advise would be greatly appreciated.
