Head gasket versus air lock

Hi,

We have a 1998 freelander and its definitely been a love/hate relationship! For 3 years the thing seems to constantly have an empty water tank but as long as we keep it topped up it ran no problem. The thermostat stopped working 12 months ago so we have been waiting for the thing to explode since then but it trundles on.

Yesterday it started to cut out and when we checked the water tank it was blowing steam and there was steam in the exhaust. There are no bubbles when we topped it up and it didn't take much water to reach the full level.

If this was a head gasket shouldn't there be bubbles? Why didn't it take much water? I know these things are prone to HG problems though so maybe it is wishful thinking that this might be a air lock. Is there an easy way to check?

Looks like it maybe either a coolant leak from pipes or radiator or thermostat or the head gasket or and cylinder head. The symptoms are very similar to the old 2.4 Hilux Surfs. They cracked heads easily

Thanks.

PS meant temp gauge not thermostat...

I know its a bit late but you should have had the dropping coolant level investigated when it first happened - it was possibly a simple leak at first - hopefully its not caused damage by leaving it. If your your coolant tank cap is faulty and not allowing the system to pressurise then the coolant will boil and bubble so check the simple stuff first but it could also be the HG thats blown

Must be a 1.8 petrol!!!!!!

This sounds VERY familiar. All the same symptoms as my little motor. I had no creamy oil, no bubbles, just a little difficulty starting on occasions and then the steam etc from the exp tank. It only took enought water to fill the expansion tank so, i thought it a "silly leak". turned out to be the head gasket... Shocker. my motor turned into a turkish steam bath all of a sudden (50m from home). I dont know if this will help but fill the exp tank, leave over night. Check the level in the morning and look under the car for wet patches. if the level has dropped and there are no patches pop the pluggs out and turn the starter over. I could of had a shower with the water!

if you have steam coming out of exhaust then it is cylinder head gasket and now probably cylinder head as well you must have it looked at