Where do you think my coolant leak is?

fenland rover said:

Thermostat sticking......I had the same problem.....totally remove the thermostat and no more problems

Click to expand...

bad idea

stat in a 300 disco is a two way valve. one direction when engine is cold, allows water circulation round pump, to stat housing and heater matrix, to block / head, to pump. rad side is blocked off at this point.
when warm, stat operates, blocks off bypass hose, opens flow to rad.

removing it will allow circulation of least resistance, ie bypass hose not rad.
try it by all means, if it works ok get a new stat.

my guess is still on head gasket.

you done the johnny test yet?

Engine clean completed yesterday. ran it home and back to office this morning and last night. journey of about 30miles each way. engine seems fine no contamination, no excess pressure. did though have to fill coolant system at both ends of journey with about 1 1/2 litres of water. checked engine block this morning and last night after journey/s definite leaking from p gasket.

i think i may have got away with it. gonna change the p gasket as soon as it arrives in post. after that just gonna keep a close eye on it for head gasket problems.

thanks for all the advice guys

I reckon my P-gasket might be buggered again too. Having got my nose up close with hoses and alternator wiring out the way it looks a bit minging on top.

I had a new water pump when it was last done about 3 or 4 years ago but it was just a QH or similar aftermarket from a local factor. Wondering whether to fit an Airtex for £23.50 which is supposed to be OEM. I know it's a bit belt and braces but not a bank breaker. Will get 3 new water pump bolts too.

Also, several different priced P-gaskets, all under a couple of quid. Is there a recommendation to go genuine LR or trust OEM is just that?

My mate who was ex LR did it for me last time, just need the confidence to go it alone this time.

How easy/bad is it to change the core plug?

When she's up and running again I'll stick a johnny on the expansion tank and hope for the best with the head gasket.

oem are good - as long as they are the steel version

How long do you think it will take for an incompetent nincompoop with a Haynes manual and a fistful of sockets to change a P Gasket from opening the bonnet to closing it again? I don't have a garage, I would just be outside so it would be good to plan timing in between rain showers

couple of hours if you dont shear any bolts, at a guess.

Thanks for that... <bolt shearing doesn't appeal>

I have a coolant leak that is abosolutely pure green dripping somewhere, I can only guess it's the P gasket... Similar place to this post and the water pump has just been replaced, I guess it could have been a crap gasket or sealant.