Bought my first land rover a year ago. It's a 2000 Disco II with 73k miles on it. I noticed right away the smell of engine coolant in the air sometimes (but not all the time) after I parked it. I'm losing about a quart of coolant per month. The check engine light does not come on and it runs perfectly. I did notice some discoloration and maybe moisture on the back side of the radiator about halfway down on the passenger side, but have never seen a puddle ordrip. Is there a way to tell whether I have a very tiny leak in my radiator, or if I have a bad head gasket? Any help is appreciated.


Thanks,
Pat

 

You need to have it pressure tested.

 

Pressure test it at 16-18 lbs of pressure and let it sit for 15 mins at least !

Watch all your hoses (basically the system simulates your engine running hot and coolant is fully expanded ..

If you have a hose leak you'll see it coming out, if it's a head gasket external watch above the exhaust manifolds or around the intake.

If it's exhaust gasket internal, sniff your exhaust for something 'sweet smelling' or indication of white smoke.

You might have a small radiator leak ....

 

Thanks, I will start with the pressure test. Can any shop do that, or do I have to go to the dealer?

 

Any Shop and It better be free !!!

Meineke does it for free, make sure they leave it there for 15 mins atleast, dont let them argue with you about it....

16 lbs of pressure at minimum.

While your waiting the 15 mins, constantly check all hoses, and watch for drops under the car ...

Drive it there and let it cool down btw !

Or trailer it to them ...

Don't want to open up the coolant system when it's hot ..