I have my 2003 Land Rover Discovery II with 89k miles that is leaking a few drops of coolant near cylinder #1. I noticed the leak while changing the oil filter, therefore I performed the chemical block test and no exhaust gasses were present, however I am losing coolant the I am keeping an eye on and would like to make it through this summer before doing a complete head gasket, water pump, timing chain service, etc.

Any suggestions would be appreciated...

 

Rent a pressure tester to be sure, fits on the radiator fill tank and pump up to 15psig. There are a lot of hose connections that could be leaking under pressure, on the road it blows back over the block.
Unless of course your sure its the HG. Are you overheating or throwing codes?

 

Ditto!!
Pump up the system to 16 to 17 pounds and let it sit for a good 15 minutes, then fins and fix the leak now, not after summer when you may then have a bigger problem.

 

Good idea, I'll rent a pressure tester and verify and let you know my findings.

Thanks Pik & Mike for the recommendation.

 

once the system is up to preasure look around the timing chain cover gasket, a common leak.

 

Well, you were right, it is the timing cover gasket.

I pressurized the cooling system up cold up to 17 lbs. as recommended by Mike and observed a few drops of coolant from the cover.

My truck has less than 90k, therefore I will replace the water pump, however should I replace the chain and look at the condition of the oil pump too?

Looking for suggestions....

 

yes, I had the same leak, I replaced the chain cheap easy. your already there.
Wish I had just said "the hell with it" and thew in a new oil pump.

 

At your mileage, since you are pulling the timing chain cover, yes it is a little early, but I would replace the chain set and well as the oil pump so you don't have to open it up later.
Might also look a the AirTex water pump shown of British Parts of Utah and A.B, comes with a 2 year warranty and a solid bronze empellor.

 

2 x AirTex water pump

 

Tighten the bolts just a little on the timing cover.
Maybe you will get lucky.