Member Since: 03 Jun 2011
Location: Glos
Posts: 10
Engine coolant problem
Hello
I have what I think is a big problem on a disco 3. Lent it to a friend to tow with, fan belt broke which he repaired but now it continually shows a low coolant level.
On checking, small bubbles are seen entering the top of the header tank from the top radiator bleed.
He told me the car only lost a small amount of coolant but at a first glance I think either a head gasket has started weeping or something is cracked.
You can fill the header up and start the engine but it doesn't pump out like a normal blown gasket but on fitting the rad cap the pressure builds up to a point where the water in the tank disappears!
If you release the cap and therefore pressure the water floods back in!
There is no water in the oil,no emulsified oil , no steam from the exhausts and the car appears to run better than before!
I have searched through the threads that mention steel shim gaskets that don't blow so I guess I'm looking at a crack somewhere.
I think this might prove terminal for this car but I thought I would run it past you all in case I'm missing something.
Thanks for any help offered
24th May 2015 9:17 pm
stephenw46
Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 1213
Firstly I would bleed the system and get her warmed up so the heaters are blowing hot then I would let her cool down and put a pressure testing gauge on her, and build the pressure up to see if she drops then release the pressure and run the engine to see if there is a pressure build up good luck
Top it up and bleed as per the correct procedure. Do a search on here and you will find it.Mark.
2006, D3 SE Auto - gone but not forgotten.
2014 BMW 530d M Sport Tourer.
1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500
_________________________________________________
Disco Picture Website Here
25th May 2015 6:05 am
Kingmav66
Member Since: 20 Jul 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1349
Member Since: 03 Jun 2011
Location: Glos
Posts: 10
Thanks for all your ideas.
I have already bled the system through the bleed points,even at one point back bleeding it through the bleed tube at the top of the engine!
The car has sat for a week since I last ran it and the system still had pressure in it when I released the cap.
I think it can't have a crack/leaking gasket and still maintain pressure for that long.
I will try the full bleed routine tomorrow and post an update.
Again thanks for all advice.
I have read about EGR coolers. Can these introduce pressure into the system?
25th May 2015 7:17 pm
Davygib1
Member Since: 21 Jul 2024
Location: Killinchy
Posts: 1
Hi did you eventually find what exactly was causing this pressure in the header tank as I have just bought a disco with this happening same as urs and it's a bit confusing as I cannot smell any exhaust fumes in the tank but it bubbles badly and the pressure will remain in the system forever.
Thanks in advance
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
good luck
