I've got a small leak somewhere in the cooling system. The Rover was in for service a few weeks ago and the dealer said it looked like a gasket (don't remember where) had a small leak. Fixing it was going to be almost $3,500 so they recommended checking the coolant level every few days and refilling as needed, which I've been doing. Sometimes it will be three or four days between top offs. Other times, it's every day.

A few friends have recommended a product called Bar's Leak to seal up the leak. According to the directions, I need to pour it directly into the radiator. Looking through the owner's manual, it doesn't show how to get to it. I'm guessing it's under the plastic panel at the front of the engine compartment? Any words of wisdom on the best way to do this? I will freely admit that I'm not a very handy person, so the easier, the better.

 

Don't do it.

 

couldn't have said it better. Yes it might stop the leak, but it'll probably stop everything else up also.

 

Do a search for "head gasket replacement". Get all the help you need. And as stated....don't do it. Your mechanic at that price is indicating a head gasket replacement (and he is real high unless a dealer) and the fix does not come in liquid form. Do a google search for an independent landy mechanic in your area first and find out whats leaking. Good place to start. Best of luck.

 

Well, that's not what I was hoping to read. I wanted everyone to say, "Great product, here's how to do it." Apparently not. It was the local Rover / Jaguar dealer quoting $3,500. If it matters, the product is Bar's Leak Liquid Copper.

 

A head gasket job should run you around $1200-$1500. Or DIY and save some major money.

 

If you DIY replace your plug wires while your at it. Sure is easier than with the manifold on. Parts for a DIY should run you around 400 or so and a great learning experience. First consider having someone else check it out and tell you whats leaking and where. Have them show you.

 

go find a real mechanic. get the kit from atlantic british along with new head bolts, might as well pick up some 8mm wires (kingsborne, magnecore or STI) and some new plugs and you should be able to get everything resolved for $1200 in labor.

 

Way back when I was in college (late 70s), I did an oil change and replaced the brake pads on my Camaro. I quickly realized that I have no inclination or desire to work on cars, so the DIY route just ain't gonna happen. Unfortunately, I don't have $1,200 - $1,500 right now, so I guess I'll just have to keep adding anti-freeze every couple of days. I am taking it to a local shop next week to have them look at the suspension issue I posted about a few days ago. I'll see if they can determine the cause of the leak. These guys I trust (strongly recommended by friends with Rovers).

 

Maybe instead of suggesting that the OP tear his heads off straight away, and throw new gaskets on it, we should have him confirm where exactly the coolant leak is...

Just because the dealer wants a stupid amount of money for the fix, doesn't automatically make it a blown HG.