Coolant/Radiator - Land Rovers Only

appstatedisco · 06-06-2006, 04:26 PM

Hey guys, this is kind of a no-brainer, but none the less, important. I've had pretty low coolant levels and my radiator has been hissing when I turn the car off. Is this something that is a "it's too late" situation, or is that normal with low coolant levels? Also, is there any special coolant type or mixture I should use(It's about 80-90 ish here during the summer)?

Badger1 · 06-06-2006, 04:53 PM

Where is the hissing noise exactly coming from? Does it leak? Does the radiator have a hole in it, or is it from the overflow? When was the last time you had the coolant flushed, radiator cleaned? Might be time to do that and while your at it replace the hoses, plug on top of the radiator, and resevoir pressure cap. Living in kinda the same climate as you, I only use the 50/50 pre-mixed coolnt that is available at all auto parts stores.

appstatedisco · 06-06-2006, 09:44 PM

Yes it is leaky actually. I don't think I need a new radiator, I've never EVER had overheating issues(never been over 1/2 way up the temp guage). So maybe it's a leak that they can patch up.

Bene · 06-07-2006, 12:26 AM

dude, go to a auto parts store and get some Bar's Leaks, the "heavy duty" kind, the directions will tell you the rest.

Badger1 · 06-07-2006, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bene

dude, go to a auto parts store and get some Bar's Leaks, the "heavy duty" kind, the directions will tell you the rest.

That stuff scares the crap out of me!

If there is a little bit of buildup in your coolant passages, that stuff can plug it up the rest of the way. Take the radiator to a local shop and have it recored, fairly inexpensive.

Bene · 06-08-2006, 12:44 AM

true, I guess that's more of a temporary fix.

Badger1 · 06-08-2006, 04:31 AM

I am just afraid of using that stuff and plugging up any vital coolant passages in the motor that are already a little blocked with sludge. Yeah I would use it as a last ditch effort if stuck in the middle of nowhere. Radiator shop is the best fix, and you should be able to have them increase the radiator capacity for cooling by adding an extra core.

Mark HH · 06-08-2006, 05:53 AM

Mine is such an old banger that if anything falls off and the truck still runs it stays off!

You could just simply live with it - you get a lot of coolant for your dollars!

I have a small but permanent leak on my rad (my 3rd rad!) and I have sort of grown to like it - it takes the pressure of the rest of the cooling system.

06-06-2006, 04:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
appstatedisco Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC/Boone, NC Posts: 528 Gallery: 0	Coolant/Radiator Hey guys, this is kind of a no-brainer, but none the less, important. I've had pretty low coolant levels and my radiator has been hissing when I turn the car off. Is this something that is a "it's too late" situation, or is that normal with low coolant levels? Also, is there any special coolant type or mixture I should use(It's about 80-90 ish here during the summer)? __________________ AHO Rugby, a drinking club with a rugby problem. www.ahorugby.net "My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health." - Robert E. Lee

06-06-2006, 09:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
appstatedisco Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC/Boone, NC Posts: 528 Gallery: 0	Yes it is leaky actually. I don't think I need a new radiator, I've never EVER had overheating issues(never been over 1/2 way up the temp guage). So maybe it's a leak that they can patch up. __________________ AHO Rugby, a drinking club with a rugby problem. www.ahorugby.net "My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health." - Robert E. Lee

06-07-2006, 12:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bene Magicly Delicious Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,030 Gallery: 0	dude, go to a auto parts store and get some Bar's Leaks, the "heavy duty" kind, the directions will tell you the rest. __________________ Kevin Owning a Land Rover is like dating a super model. Sure she has expenive tastes, complains a lot, and requires constant attention... but damn... 1994 Discovery

06-08-2006, 12:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bene Magicly Delicious Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,030 Gallery: 0	true, I guess that's more of a temporary fix. __________________ Kevin Owning a Land Rover is like dating a super model. Sure she has expenive tastes, complains a lot, and requires constant attention... but damn... 1994 Discovery

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06-06-2006, 04:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Badger1 Forward! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Loo-eee-ville, KY Posts: 2,163 Gallery: 1	Where is the hissing noise exactly coming from? Does it leak? Does the radiator have a hole in it, or is it from the overflow? When was the last time you had the coolant flushed, radiator cleaned? Might be time to do that and while your at it replace the hoses, plug on top of the radiator, and resevoir pressure cap. Living in kinda the same climate as you, I only use the 50/50 pre-mixed coolnt that is available at all auto parts stores.

06-08-2006, 04:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Badger1 Forward! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Loo-eee-ville, KY Posts: 2,163 Gallery: 1	I am just afraid of using that stuff and plugging up any vital coolant passages in the motor that are already a little blocked with sludge. Yeah I would use it as a last ditch effort if stuck in the middle of nowhere. Radiator shop is the best fix, and you should be able to have them increase the radiator capacity for cooling by adding an extra core.

06-08-2006, 05:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mark HH Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cambs UK Posts: 60 Gallery: 0	Mine is such an old banger that if anything falls off and the truck still runs it stays off! You could just simply live with it - you get a lot of coolant for your dollars! I have a small but permanent leak on my rad (my 3rd rad!) and I have sort of grown to like it - it takes the pressure of the rest of the cooling system.

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