Just got back from the trip running without a stat. Temps on the highway were right about 194. I got a check engine light only when I started it cold (Insufficient coolant temp) and didn't drive immediately, but the dummy gauge on the dash always went to the middle after I started driving. If I drove immediately after driving I'd get no lights. Anyway the 180 stat gets in tonight so I'll install that tomorrow and update with the temps after that.

 

Question for you on about a coolant leak I've got. It is not what I call an "active" leak. Basically, it doesn't leak while its running. I work an 8 hour day... no wet spots. I get it home... no wet spots. Wake up in the morning and there is some coolant dripping from under the radiator. It is coming from the passenger side of the radiator. I can't isolate a hose or spot. Its not much coolant, but enough for me to notice.

It seems like as soon as the engine gets COLD cold... the leak starts. Or I have Rover Gnomes splashing around under the hood while I am sleeping. Either way... I am at a loss. Just glad its not going in the engine!!

Any help would be great! Thanks!!

 

 

Oh believe me. I yelled to my girlfriend saying "Thank god! My radiator is leaking."

She didn't understand why I was so happy! IT'S NOT LEAKING IN THE ENGINE!!!!!

 

You're going to have to isolate that leak in order to figure it out.

When I run into a problem like this I take it to the car wash and spray that area as clean as I can then put cardboard down so I can see where its dropping from.

You could try tightening the hoses a little. If it's the tank you can try recrimping the sides, I have a tool for that.

I had a leak once, I couldnt find it. If I would fill the bottle, it would leak a little out the back, once the bottle was empty it wouldnt leak anymore. But, it wouldnt overheat. It was the weirdest thing. I got the borescope out, stuck it in the front of the engine below the intake and noticed the hose has popped off the nipple. Problem solved.

 

Good looking out! Yes. I haven't notice any shift in my stock temp gauge. If the rover is running hot then I would see it on that gauge right? I wanna buy an UltraGauge so I can run my temps.

But for now.... I am just topping the rover off every couple days. Only a few ounces though.

 

You wont see it on the gauge UNTIL ITS TOO LATE. The gauge doesnt move from center until you've already started overheating.

Stay on top of that coolant. I would bleed it every once in awhile just to be safe.

 

Yeah, the stock gauge is poo. I wonder if there is away to hack the signal resistance from the ECU to the gauge to make it more accurate

 

The gauge won't budge!? Not even a little!? Will it at least throw a light on the dash?

 

Like i said, it's poo.

It'll throw the red light once the needle is all the way at the top.