Coolant Leak from back of Engine

[BlueDisco]

I have a 2001 Discovery 2 that has a coolant leak coming down the back of the engine. It is pretty significant when the engine is cold, but much less when warm. The Head Gaskets were replaced by the dealer several years ago. That was very expensive.

Is this another head gasket problem or a freeze plug problem? Something else?

There are 144,000 mile on the engine. About 60,000 miles since the head gaskets.



blue disco

[OneRyan]

hg's you can usually see weaping from the corners.. check the intake gasket if it's coming from higher up.
probably don't see as much when hot b/c it's burning off.

[BlueDisco]

Thanks OneRyan. I am leaning toward the intake manifold gasket. I'll have to bundle up and get under to take a look. Can't clearly see it from the top even with a mirror.

Blue Disco

[Disco Mike]

Have someone help you do a coolant pressure test while you are under the engine. Pump the system to 18 pounds pressure and with a flash light you should be able to find the leak easily.

[BlueDisco]

Thanks Mike.

Plan on investigating this weekend. I'll take your advice.

Blue Disco

[troubled]

I have an 02' that started this back in July, it just started pouring out. I have mine in the garage at this time. I could not find the exact place it was coming from, please post your findings as I battling this also.

[Disco Mike]

All it takes is a coolant pressure test, this problem is not rocket science.

[TCollier]

What's your setup for doing a coolant pressure test?
... looking to put together a special tool set for the Disco II

[gibrangibran]

Greetings all -

Sorry to hijack the thread but I am having the same exact issue, and my truck has 140K mile on it as well.

My coolant leak start with the throttle body heater, I did that and had the system flushed but still noticed coolant levels are dropping. Talked to my LR indy shop and he suggested thermostat replacement, had him do that with another flush. Nope, leak started from near the water pump area, timing chain seal according to the same shop. Replaced seal, WP, TS and couple unrelated seals and they did pressure test and supposedly all good.
Couple of days later I noticed low coolant levels At the same time my power steering pump went bad, finished the pump today and noticed coolant leak from back of the engine. Powered washed it and taking it to the shop tomorrow, let's see what's waiting for me tomorrow.

By the way, I never hard any issues with heating up, just coolant leaks.

thanks.

[Disco Mike]

Most parts store carry the coolant pressure tester and as long as it is the large kit with more adapter, it will work.

[gibrangibran]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

Most parts store carry the coolant pressure tester and as long as it is the large kit with more adapter, it will work.

Thanks Mike...If I noticed the coolant leak I would have borrowed it earlier, will do it tomorrow and report back.

[AutohausNC]

Most coolant leaks are easily identified with a pressure test, but back of the motor can be tricky, even with an inspection mirror.

Regardless of it being lower intake gasket or head gaskets, the plenum needs to come off to repair, so I usually remove the plenum to get a better look at the back of the lower intake.

Also note that the lower intake gasket is a valley pan type gasket, and if one of the hoses/pipes up front are leaking, it can run to the back of the motor on top of the lower gasket.

[gibrangibran]

To ensure it's not the valley PAN, besides the 6 bolts on the intake which other bolts I should be checking? Thanks.

[gibrangibran]

Originally Posted by gibrangibran

To ensure it's not the valley PAN, besides the 6 bolts on the intake which other bolts I should be checking? Thanks.

Happy Monday all -

I went by my LR Indy shop this morning. With the engine off he pressurized the system at 20lb, in about 3-5 minutes we noticed about 3lb drop and small stream of coolant on the back of the engine

My big question is: Should I tackle the job myself or sourced to him? The price is about 300 bucks. I was thinking if I do it I can replace the plugs, cables and do a little cleaning while at it. The HG was done before I purchased it 5 years ago, and I have not experienced any over heating at all.

What do you guys suggest? Also any idea of the parts I need (gaskets etc) and anything else I need to do while knee deep?

Thanks.