Warning Light - Overheating/Vibration

[krn]

Hello everyone- new to the forums, but I've checked out some posts before. Lot's of good advice here.

I was hoping someone could throw me an opinion on this. I have a 2000 discovery II. Just passed 120k miles. Service engine light went on recently. I was a little over for the scheduled oil change, but took care of that and was hoping that would solve the problem. No luck, light's still on and the car has recently begun vibrating at low speeds (most apparent during acceleration around 10 to 15 mph, through about 35). Feel vibration mostly in the steering wheel.

A little while ago (maybe around 105k), the car overheated under normal driving conditions. Engine light didn't go on then. Put in some new coolant and it was back to normal. Last night, the car overheated for the second time since. Put in some new coolant again and it seems to be alright, though the engine light is still on. Still seems to be vibrating too.

Not sure if the overheating/vibration is related? Any ideas about whats going on?

Thanks for your help want to keep this thing running- i love (and need) that car.

[jmrivera]

I suggest getting it scanned and post the codes...

Have you changed the t/stat anytime within the last 30,000 miles? May want to try that if you have not... Go with OEM, not aftermarket. When was the coolant changed last?

Vibration could be the front drive shaft or the steering damper...

[Disco Mike]

Before you do anything, go get the fault codes read and get back to us with them.
Maintance or the lack of it won't turn on the check engine light, only a problem will.
Don't drive it till you get the codes read and don't let it over heat, don't want to loose the engine.

[krn]

Thanks jmrivera-

The thermostat hasnt been changed in the last 30,000- the temp guage did react to the car overheating though. It seemed to jump pretty suddenly, I dont know how tight the temperature range is on those thermostats. Last time I myself changed it was around 110k, i brought it in for an oil change a little while ago- not sure if they usually bother with checking that.

[Disco Mike]

I have better then 100,000 miles on my original t/stat, they are not needing to be replaced often.
Have you been having to add coolant, have you checked for a head gasket leak?
Mike

[jmrivera]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

I have better then 100,000 miles on my original t/stat, they are not needing to be replaced often.
Have you been having to add coolant, have you checked for a head gasket leak?
Mike

oops... forgot about the possibility of a head gasket... Makes sense now. overheating, coolant loss, SES light... Hate to say it, but my hunch is that's the problem...

[Disco Mike]

Two things you need to do, go get your check engine codes read as it has already, especially since it normally won't come on for an overheat, and never guess, it is a waist of your time and money.
Mike

[krn]

Called a few garages everybody is booked for a few days, but one guy said he'd take a look at it for me this afternoon. I decided to check things out a bit myself, ran the engine for a little bit and this is what I found:


When the pressure cap is removed from the expansion tank, the coolant level rises.

There is fluid dripping out from the back right side (closest to the driver's left side) of the rocker cover where it meets the cylinder head.

Also, fluid is spraying from the joint in the neck on the underside of the throttle housing just above where the throttle housing inlet hose (left hose) is attached.
There is some corrosion at this spot.

[Disco Mike]

I just PMed you. Don't go to the shop till after we talk.
Mike