need help with leaking coolant

[GOTMUD?]

I have a 1999 Disco II and I have started having overheating problems and because there is no consistent or same problem I have had a hard time figuring it out. Sometimes it would run hot, I would turn on the A/C and it would cool back down. Sometimes it would run hot for just a few minutes and cool back down on it's own. And sometimes it would start getting hot and i would add some water to overflow tank and that would solve the problem. Just recently I have found a puddle about 10 inch circle on the driveway, so I started looking for the leak and found that it was dripping just below the exaust manifold on the left side of the engine about where I think the head gasket would be.

Does anyone have any idea what I should do?

Would it be a good idea to try some stop leak in my coolant?

Please help!

Mark

[O.B.]

Well, you've successfully diagnosed a head gasket leak, it sounds like a pretty good leak if your getting a puddle. To make sure it is the head gasket, check the intake manifold area for leaks, and the intake heat exchanger at the throttle body. I would advise NO on the stopleak and repair the gasket that's probably going to get worse down the road.

[GOTMUD?]

Thanks O.b. For Your Reply

But Since I Know Very Little About Engines Can Someone Explain To Me Where The Intake Manifold Area And The Intake Heat Exchanger At Throttle Body Would Be Located At.

Thanks Again

[O.B.]

Originally Posted by GOTMUD?

Thanks O.b. For Your Reply

But Since I Know Very Little About Engines Can Someone Explain To Me Where The Intake Manifold Area And The Intake Heat Exchanger At Throttle Body Would Be Located At.

With limited mechanical skills and knowledge in mind--the best thing for you to do is look at all your coolant hoses for leaks, including the two 1/2" lines for the throttle body heater (located below where the throttle cables attach to the engine, that's the throttle body). If any line is leaking replace the clamp. Beyond that, any possible repairs get much more involved. You'll probably want to take it to a mechanic. cheers

[Disco Mike]

Mark,
Yes it does sound like a head gasket and before you do anything else, have some one pressure test the coolant system. This is the easiest way to varify the problem.
I also have a 99 DII with a leaking head gasket as well as a coolant leak at the throttle body. The throttle body leak can be repaired with and updated repair kit.
If when tested, you find that the head gaskets are leaking, get it repaired as soon as possible, and if you are over 75,000 miles have the heads sent out and inspected for cracks and warpage.
Mike