Thanks all! I will definitely order a new reservoir since it makes sense that I wouldn't see any leaks and there is no sign that it is being burned off. I might over-fill the tank for the heck of it and check for leaks (will remove excess before running again of course).

 

yup - 16psi
It arived today and I gotta say Im happy - its thick plastic
this is what I am suspecting - spraying - but mine will drip after a drive if topped off

 

I have a Ford Ranger (a proper Gentleman does not own/drive/depend-on a Land Rover alone) that leaks coolant down to a certain point and no lower. I pictured an imaginary plane at that level and checked everywhere there was a coolant at that height. It was the thermostat housing (common problem on that model).

 

Had the same problem and it ended up being the coolant tank had a split at the seam, and a leaking cap that only leaked when warm. You can get an inexpensive cooling system tester to pump up pressure in the system to help find leaks.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I ended up ordering a new expansion tank from Rock Auto and installing it. It is pictured below, old on the left, new on the right. After about 500 miles and several days of driving, my coolant hasn't dropped an inch! Upon further investigation, I couldn't find any leaks in the old tank or splits in the seam. But when I was going to remove the old tank, the engine was still warm, and I noticed that the expansion tank cap was a little wet. It almost looked like steam "residue". So I am assuming that there was a fault in the old cap that led to the pressure or seal in the tank to not function properly and coolant either leaked through the cap or was released as steam, I don't know.

The new tank from Rock Auto is nearly the same shape, but all of the connections are the same and there is zero issue when installing it. I would say that if you have a similar problem, this would be a good thing to try given how cheap the tank is.

 

yeah that thing was worth every penny - fixed my issue too - was the fastest install I have ever done on my rover.
also I like how the only tool in your lower pic is the hammer - thats a seasoned rover owner - haha

 

Haha yes that hammer and my rubber mallet have proven themselves very useful. At this rate I will probably buy a hammer/mallet made of every conceivable material.

Also that tank is so much easier to see what level the coolant is at, might do the same with the washer fluid bottle, the white really ties the bay together.

 

LOL I'm a part of the overheaters anonymous gang ... I'm totally doing the whole 'park over a piece of cardboard' song and dance right now too

I'm totally buying that $8 tank if they'll ship it north. Good find, thank you for sharing!!!!

 

For that price get two!