I can post pics later, but here's how it failed-->The top lip if the vertical portion of the thermo was crumbling, and broke off, so that combined with a failing clamp and a pothole strewn rode, caused the hose to work it's way off the top of the thermo. Driving back down I could see my trail of fluid in the gravel road

Admittedly, I'm not positive when the thermo was last changed, as it isn't documented in the service records I got from the PO. Ironically, I getting ready for a coolant system overhaul this summer since it has finally started to warm u here. I have had a coolant leak for the past year and have replaced all of the coolant through topping off.

I had added some AC Delco coolant system seal tabs recently and my coolant leak finally stopped, and I wonder if this played a role in the thermostat failing??? I am not able to begin tearing into it until tomorrow as this weekend is jam packed, and I will update when I can pop the thermostat open to inspect it.

 

Yup I was there with my wife and father-in-law -->https://landroverforums.com/forum/4x...hington-42510/

We got there pretty early, some sweet rides thats for sure.

 

Thanks Mike,

131,XXX on the clock, for some reason my sig wasn't showing up above. No HG job on the service records I received from the previous owner. I'll be able to spend some time on it next week looking around, I might just buy a pressure test kit to have going forward.

Driving home from where the "incident" occured (about 35 miles going 65 mph, up and down hills), temperature held steady, A/C worked, no decreases in power, no SES lights, so I'm hoping I got away unscathed.

I'm still suspicious of the AC Delco Coolant System Seal Tabs....they stopped my coolant leak, which eliminated an escape for pressure, exposing the problem with the thermostat.

 

All seems to make sense. Deteriorating plastic thermostat of unknown age, which finally gave way when the pressure was returned to normal when the leak was fixed. I can't count the number of hoses and water pumps I have seen fail shortly after a leaking radiator was replaced. They were holding while the pressures were reduced, but as soon as pressures return to normal...leak!

Where was the coolant leak that you seem to have repaired with the Delco tabs?

 

If YOU didnt do it it didnt get done, that is rule number one when you buy a used car.

 

absolutely right Spike

 

Agreed. Still not sure where the leak was that the seal tabs seemed to have cured. Prior to adding them, I had the system pressure tested with my mechanic (at 20 lbs) and we looked for 15 minutes and couldn't find a drip.

Spike - couldn't agree more, the justification in my head was that "if it ain't broke..." Luckily I caught it in time, and was prepared enough to make a field repair that held up on our way home on the freeway, and out and about again today for a hike. Love this thing!

 

How do I know if I have DEX?

 

It's a orange-ish/pinkish coolant, look at your coolant reservoir. If you have any further questions about Dex cool, please start a new thread.

 

Not going to lie, it was a pretty great spot for a break down MUCH prettier than the side of the highway.


Here is the detached hose....


Stopping to get water from some campers...Land Rover with it's hood up and flashers on, how cliche'...