what are symptoms of HG failure ??? - Land Rovers Only

Steph · 02-27-2007, 05:49 PM

Gents, As some of you may know, I've had a leak that the dealer said was from the intake gasket. The job was done, but the truck still leaks oil. I've been monitoring the leak by daily checking the coolant and oil levels. The coolant doesn't seem to go down, and neither is the oil....or it doesn't seem to, anyways. But, if I dive under the Disco, there are drips just hanging there waiting to fall. But since the gasket job, I have yet to have to wipe any on my garage floor. I just get on my crawler, wipe the hole underside of the engine clean, and check again a few Days later, to find the same scenario.

I will most definitely bring the Disco back to the dealer, but I'd like to know if meanwhile I should stop driving the truck and drive the Jeep. So my question is regarding my worries that maybe all this time, it was the head gasket that was bad. So how do I know. There's got to be signs.

Thanks,

Steph.

KDamericano · 02-27-2007, 08:50 PM

I wouldn't see why there'd be any problem driving the disco. They're notorious for leaks anyways, and a slow oil leak like what you're discribing should be nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on your fluid levels. If you're trying to track down the exact source of the leak, try adding some UV dye to the oil. Give it a day or so and crawl under your truck with a black light. Should be pretty obvious.

rmuller · 02-27-2007, 08:54 PM

What's leaking, oil or coolant? These engines always leak oil from various spots... filter, drain plug, etc.. I wouldn't worry so much if levels aren't dropping, and you're not seeing coolant mixed in with the oil. But thats just my opinion, not necessarily the right one.

Steph · 02-28-2007, 08:29 AM

It's just that I just spent $1000.00 for that intake gasket job. I cannot stand leaks or the thought of such a classy vehicle leaving oil spots on a driveway and that's why I decided to go ahead and spend that money before starting to find drips on the ground.

Now that the problem is supposed to be fixed and it still drips, I'm concerned about the fact that it could be the head gasket. That's why I'm inquiring on the symptoms of a head gasket leak.

Disco Mike · 02-28-2007, 08:36 AM

You spent a $1000 for an intake manifold gasket replacement?
You need to realize Rovers leak and unless it is dripping oil or leaking coolant you really should just leave them alone, cause 6 months from now they will be leaking again.
What are you now leaking and from what area?
Mike

Steph · 02-28-2007, 08:49 AM

Seems to come from the front area of the engine. I keep wiping the hole underside every time I have a change to get under the truck. the sides look dry, and the rear seems to have old now semi dry leaks. The front seems to be wetter but it's very hard to see with all the pulley and rad and stuff. For all I know, it seems to be the oil pan gasket.

Disco Mike · 02-28-2007, 09:16 AM

You might consider removing the front engine cowling, degrease the front of the engine and power scrub it so you can track the leak alot easier.
If it is the oil pan gasket, you might consider cleaning it up real well and replacing that your self, it is an easy replacement.
Mike

02DISCOBLK · 02-28-2007, 09:39 AM

You may also want to check the front crank seal. Located behind the bottom pulley. When they leak it will blow back and look like you have other leaks as well. Clean that area off very well and then start is up and see if you can see where it drips at. It may have to be hot to see any drip.

KDamericano · 02-28-2007, 09:42 AM

+1 on the front main seal. Clean off as much as you can, and go from there.

Steph · 03-01-2007, 02:56 PM

What is involved in changing the front main seal. Is it a big job like head gaskets?

Steph · 03-01-2007, 03:58 PM

Also, how do you recognize coolant in the oil ???

Elemental · 03-01-2007, 04:06 PM

Front seal is EASY! Even easier if you have the timing cover off. Super gravy job... The manual outlines it nicely.

Coolant in the oil takes on a chcolatte milk like kind of look.

Disco Mike · 03-01-2007, 04:07 PM

When coolant and oil mix it turns into a white curdy or custard type build up. If you have this going on, it will show up on the inside of the oil fill cap and on your oil dip stick.
Mike

toyota_jon · 03-01-2007, 04:07 PM

it's a rover! it's not leaking... it's just marking it's territory

Steph · 03-01-2007, 06:00 PM

Well,no coolant in the oil. Coolant is very steady at it's full line, and Geez... So is the oil ?????

What color is the transmission oil ??? Is it red like regular Tranny oil???

02-27-2007, 05:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	what are symptoms of HG failure ??? Gents, As some of you may know, I've had a leak that the dealer said was from the intake gasket. The job was done, but the truck still leaks oil. I've been monitoring the leak by daily checking the coolant and oil levels. The coolant doesn't seem to go down, and neither is the oil....or it doesn't seem to, anyways. But, if I dive under the Disco, there are drips just hanging there waiting to fall. But since the gasket job, I have yet to have to wipe any on my garage floor. I just get on my crawler, wipe the hole underside of the engine clean, and check again a few Days later, to find the same scenario. I will most definitely bring the Disco back to the dealer, but I'd like to know if meanwhile I should stop driving the truck and drive the Jeep. So my question is regarding my worries that maybe all this time, it was the head gasket that was bad. So how do I know. There's got to be signs. Thanks, Steph.

02-27-2007, 08:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
rmuller Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 2,414 Gallery: 0	What's leaking, oil or coolant? These engines always leak oil from various spots... filter, drain plug, etc.. I wouldn't worry so much if levels aren't dropping, and you're not seeing coolant mixed in with the oil. But thats just my opinion, not necessarily the right one. __________________ Ryan :: Off-Road/Accessories Moderator :: Gallery 2001 Discovery II \| 1994 Defender 90 #416

02-28-2007, 09:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
02DISCOBLK Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 58 Gallery: 0	You may also want to check the front crank seal. Located behind the bottom pulley. When they leak it will blow back and look like you have other leaks as well. Clean that area off very well and then start is up and see if you can see where it drips at. It may have to be hot to see any drip. __________________ -2001 BLACK DISCOVERY SE II -REAR LAMP GUARDS -OFF ROAD LIGHTS -LR SEAT COVERS -BORLA EXHAUST -OME 3'' Lift -WINCH -FUTURE- -DIFF. LOCK -Rock Sliders

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02-27-2007, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
KDamericano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 179 Gallery: 0	I wouldn't see why there'd be any problem driving the disco. They're notorious for leaks anyways, and a slow oil leak like what you're discribing should be nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on your fluid levels. If you're trying to track down the exact source of the leak, try adding some UV dye to the oil. Give it a day or so and crawl under your truck with a black light. Should be pretty obvious.

02-28-2007, 08:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	It's just that I just spent $1000.00 for that intake gasket job. I cannot stand leaks or the thought of such a classy vehicle leaving oil spots on a driveway and that's why I decided to go ahead and spend that money before starting to find drips on the ground. Now that the problem is supposed to be fixed and it still drips, I'm concerned about the fact that it could be the head gasket. That's why I'm inquiring on the symptoms of a head gasket leak.

02-28-2007, 08:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,448 Gallery: 0	You spent a $1000 for an intake manifold gasket replacement? You need to realize Rovers leak and unless it is dripping oil or leaking coolant you really should just leave them alone, cause 6 months from now they will be leaking again. What are you now leaking and from what area? Mike

02-28-2007, 08:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	Seems to come from the front area of the engine. I keep wiping the hole underside every time I have a change to get under the truck. the sides look dry, and the rear seems to have old now semi dry leaks. The front seems to be wetter but it's very hard to see with all the pulley and rad and stuff. For all I know, it seems to be the oil pan gasket.

02-28-2007, 09:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,448 Gallery: 0	You might consider removing the front engine cowling, degrease the front of the engine and power scrub it so you can track the leak alot easier. If it is the oil pan gasket, you might consider cleaning it up real well and replacing that your self, it is an easy replacement. Mike

02-28-2007, 09:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
KDamericano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 179 Gallery: 0	+1 on the front main seal. Clean off as much as you can, and go from there.

03-01-2007, 02:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	What is involved in changing the front main seal. Is it a big job like head gaskets?

03-01-2007, 03:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	Also, how do you recognize coolant in the oil ???

03-01-2007, 04:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
Elemental Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 3,148 Gallery: 0	Front seal is EASY! Even easier if you have the timing cover off. Super gravy job... The manual outlines it nicely. Coolant in the oil takes on a chcolatte milk like kind of look.

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03-01-2007, 04:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,448 Gallery: 0	When coolant and oil mix it turns into a white curdy or custard type build up. If you have this going on, it will show up on the inside of the oil fill cap and on your oil dip stick. Mike

03-01-2007, 06:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
Steph Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Outaouais,Quebec,Canada Posts: 320 Gallery: 0	Well,no coolant in the oil. Coolant is very steady at it's full line, and Geez... So is the oil ????? What color is the transmission oil ??? Is it red like regular Tranny oil???