lack of coolant

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tina2709

tina2709

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Just checked fluids in 1.8 petrol engine and coolant was pretty much non existent very small amount in bottom , I probably last checked at least 6 weeks ago and think i topped up slightly with water. should I panic? Oil was fine just a slight top up needed and it is still very clean ( had it changed about 4 months ago)
 
Dodgy expansion tank cap, cracked expansion tank or leak or head gasket
 
Thank u hopefully its tank and not head gasket! How would I know if it was head gasket? I can't do a search on here because I'm on a tablet. Thank you for our help
 
Check expansion tank for cracks, replace cap and of it still consumes coolant look for obvious leaks.
Also inlet manifold gasket leak common
I have seen several the mastic fails on head gasket and leaves staining on block.

Lastly if the garage use exhaust gas analyser in engine bay, start engine with coolant cap off-if hydrocarbons jump over open coolant cap it is head gasket.

Do not bother with liquid head gasket testers as very insensitive compared to test I described above
 
Yep, as tight as it will go with your hand ;) loose cap is prob the cause of your problem but do the checks that fanatic said too:)
 
ive got a classic mini with the same engine in it as your freelander (1.8vvc) when the head gasket goes it can go in a number of ways ,main signs are mayo in the oil (check where you pour oil into it ) oil in water ,lose of power ,excessive steam out of exhaust etc

if it is the hg its not the end of the world ,not hard to fix but i would if it is the hg change the water pump,cam belt and tensioner at the same time and fit the uprated multi layer gasket ,the hole lot for parts will set you back around 100-150 (from ebay)

ps would also need new head bolts as there the stretch type

but i would check like all ready said the exspantion tank etc first
 
And most of all for EVERYONE with a k series engine........

Check your water level as often as you can. The head gaskets can fail as is mentioned on the hg Fred but the biggest cause of expensive failiure is an unnoticed water leak.

I check my water and oil levels pretty much everyday I drive it........ It doesn't take long and gives peace of mind.
 
zdomz said:
and most of all for everyone with a k series engine........

Check your water level as often as you can. The head gaskets can fail as is mentioned on the hg fred but the biggest cause of expensive failiure is an unnoticed water leak.

I check my water and oil levels pretty much everyday i drive it........ It doesn't take long and gives peace of mind.
Click to expand...
+1 ;)
 
ZDomZ said:
And most of all for EVERYONE with a k series engine........

Check your water level as often as you can. The head gaskets can fail as is mentioned on the hg Fred but the biggest cause of expensive failiure is an unnoticed water leak.

I check my water and oil levels pretty much everyday I drive it........ It doesn't take long and gives peace of mind.
Click to expand...

Absolutely!! The K Series engine will not tolerate low water. If it draws in air instead of water the HG will fail almost instantly. Be warned, a weekly coolant check is a must!!
 
i agree

but i also must say if the 1.8 kseries engine is well looked after and checked as stated it is a very good engine ! but also if it gets red hot due to hgf with it being a ally head it will need scimming which can only really be done once ! anymore and clearance for the valves is not reached so head is scrap
 
I check my wife's freelander with the 1800 engine every week but a couple of weeks ago I did not tighten the cap enough because of problems with my hands at the moment and within a few days the water had gone now she checks it as well
 
teddywood1 said:
I check my wife's freelander with the 1800 engine every week but a couple of weeks ago I did not tighten the cap enough because of problems with my hands at the moment and within a few days the water had gone now she checks it as well
Click to expand...

I think that's what happened to mine I didn't realize it needed to be really tight and I think last time I checked I left it loose, lesson learnt!
 
Just checked coolant and some of it was sitting on top of tank . The cap was as tight as can go,do I need to worry? I did a lot of miles last wk and I only just checked it, it was just over minimum mark .
Thank you
 
Last edited:
tina2709 said:
Just checked coolant and some of it was sitting on top of tank . The cap was as tight as can go,do I need to worry? I did a lot of miles last wk and I only just checked it, it was just over minimum mark .
Thank you
Click to expand...

Check for cracks in the expansion tank around the cap. It's very common but easy to sort with a new tank and cap.
 
I have a new tank but it has like a child lock type of cap. Tightens so much and just clicks can't get that tight. So I do expect some steam to escape when hot.
 
When I bought a new one - apparently the latest design - it was like that as well.
Then I went to my dealer and they sold me "the latest one" which tightens properly - no idea which is actually the latest though.
 
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