the head gaskets was done from previous owner i have just had this problem since weather has turned cold but when its walm the car is fine
cheers dohan
thats the thing it does not missfire at all it all runs fine just leaves black marks on pavment when started from cold
and i haveto top it up every 4 to 5 days
cheers dohan
the engin runs fine i have no noises coming from the engin i also have no loss of power i was just wondering is their someone on here close to medway that could have a look at this for me but not charge silly prices cheers dohanHi Dohan. If the thermostat has also been jammed open by prev owner this would be to mask a problem (i.e. overheating), I'd say that you should put a working thermostat in first to see what's actually happening with the engine/cooling system.
Black sooty marks are over rich fuel mixture, which could be a separate issue.
White smoke/vapour from the exhaust for a few minutes is normal at this time of year.
Apart from topping up the water every few days, how is the car running? Engine smooth? No noises? No lack of power when accelerating?
You should speak to the garage to ask how they know the block is cracked - would be interested to hear.
+1 100%, its a long shot but black sooty water could be a exhaust joint leakHi Dohan. If the thermostat has also been jammed open by prev owner this would be to mask a problem (i.e. overheating), I'd say that you should put a working thermostat in first to see what's actually happening with the engine/cooling system.
Black sooty marks are over rich fuel mixture, which could be a separate issue.
White smoke/vapour from the exhaust for a few minutes is normal at this time of year.
Apart from topping up the water every few days, how is the car running? Engine smooth? No noises? No lack of power when accelerating?
You should speak to the garage to ask how they know the block is cracked - would be interested to hear.
+1, should be a biscuit/brown colour if 1 or more are like shiny brand new youve got problemsAs said a long time ago, take the plugs out and see if any are clean. If any are water is getting in that cylinder. If they are all normal no water is getting into the engine. Simple test and not rocket science to do.
helloHave you checked for wet carpet in drivers footwell ?
If heater core o rings are leaking that would explain the slight water loss issue.
My money would be on the thermostat jammed open rather than cracked block.
Do as Wammers said and have a look at the plugs
hi
i have a 1998 rangerover p38 4.0 ltre when i start it from cold it smokes but after 5 minutes or so it clears it onley does this first thing in the morning.The problem is that i am loosing coolant ao a small scale i have to top up every 4 to 5 days it does not overheat or anything like that. My temp guage used to sit halfway but since i have had the coolant changed it just gose off the blue mark and stays their but if i am sitting in traffic it goes up a bit more but never to half way, The other problem i have is when it smokes when its cold it is leaving black marks on the pavment is this a cracked block
thanks for your help and advice
dohan
thank you for your info i have had a good look at it all today and found out that the rad had a leak init only a small one i have replaced the themorstat am also waiting for the new rad to arrive but mr cluch told me the block was cracked thats what made me come to this site the quoted me to fix 5k in my oppinon thats a very dear rad and themorstat but thank you everyone for your helpHi Dohan,
I bought a cheap P38 4.0 with lpg that had much the same issues - gauge showing cold, losing coolant, exhaust vapours, slight misfire (blowing back through airbox). Hoses were not solid, engine not overheating so took the risk & bought it. New thermostat sorted running temperature, radiator was leaking slightly - but not leaving drips. And the gas system was in need of some attention to cure the misfire.
So, don't assume the worst! However, normal P38 rules apply (ie 'P' = problems, 38 = number of 'P').
So change the stat, give the rad & hoses a good study (hot water leaks show nicely in the cold!), and even change the water pump as well for good measure - and get, as suggested, a few second opinions!
Good luck!