Disco 2 Oil Cooler Coolant Leak - Any Thoughts?

2003 Discovery 2 Td5

Fixed the fuel cooler a while ago, however, noticed that the expansion bottle (after 3 months of not changing level by one iota), has now dropped about 1cm in level - albeit over a 3 month period.

Was underneath doing inspections and took two photos looking up (left-side, passenger side of RHD vehicle - looking up and beyond in the first photo you can see the shiny-bodied PAS/ACE pump (?) with the new Gates serpentine belt).

From the top of the engine bay (no photo here) I could also see pink crystalline deposits around the region of the largely obstructed oil cooler body.

Now, not very long since I did an oil and filter change, so do I just live with this and monitor for now and maybe do the work next oil/filter change (depending on how much it might cost me)?

If it's only a coolant leak to the outside, does that mean it's the gasket leaking between the cast housing and the block? I need to check how the oil cooler is plumbed up in RAVE!
Not sure if it's just a gasket problem or a problem with the cooler inside the cast block?

I assume if I want to completely stop this leak, it will most likely involve removing the oil cooler and installing a new gasket, and maybe cooler? Cost? Time? Messing about? Degree of Difficulty? Anyone done this recently? Decent guide or just use RAVE?

Looks like I might have to also look at that hose as well? Does anyone know the part number for the hose in case I need to get one?

Thank you in advance!

Is that not the waterpump leaking?

Interceptorxj said:

Is that not the waterpump leaking?

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Up on jack-stands at the moment, so after it's down I'm going to take photos of the top of the engine bay - definite pink crystals around the cast housing that encases the metal exchanger inside - so I'm assuming coolant is weeping out from under the gasket. If I ever replace the gasket (believe it is a fairly tricky job to access and remove the oil cooler) then I'll be sure to replace the two o-rings that keep the engine oil and coolant separated!

Now, water pump you say! I could have two issues at the same time?! Some of the coolant looks fresh (not crystallised) on that hose, I think you are correct! Is it maybe that hose connection - not quite sure what/where that hose connects at both ends!

Okay, water pump/hose to be checked - doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the water pump itself (still the original one), could just be the hose? Anyway, need to check!

Thanks.

Intestinalworm said:

Okay, water pump/hose to be checked - doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the water pump itself (still the original one), could just be the hose? Anyway, need to check!

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I would have thought it unlikely to be the hose unless it's been off recently and not re-seated properly although if the waterpump has started corroding it could be. Normally it is the tell tale weep hole on the water pump where the coolant is coming from.

Interceptorxj said:

I would have thought it unlikely to be the hose unless it's been off recently and not re-seated properly although if the waterpump has started corroding it could be. Normally it is the tell tale weep hole on the water pump where the coolant is coming from.

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I think you might be right! Water pump leaking a wee bit!? I arrowed a steel pipe with coolant on the outside (not a hose as I said before). Had a look in RAVE but not sure what that steel pipe is for?