Head Gaskets Replaced - water in crank case
 

Hey Folks,
My good friend, an experienced mechanic, and I replaced the head gaskets in my 2002 Discovery a few weeks ago. The particular head gasket leak at that time was dropping water at the back of the engine, passenger side. Also at that time, the oil in the crank case was water-free. We have been working out other kinks since and I noticed some water in the crank case the other day. When we put the heads back on, he did check for warpage with a straight edge and the heads were fine. Everything was cleaned before reassembly. New head bolts were used and torqued to the correct specs. I ordered the entire head gasket kit from Atlantic British.

Where should we direct our attention to first for this minor water/coolant leak? Did we miss something?

Thanks as always for the help.

-Burwell - New Orleans

Is it possible that it spilled into the crankcase during disassembly?

Do a coolant pressure test and see if it holds pressure.

I will ask him if some spilled into the crankcase during reassembly. And, good idea on the pressure test - I will mention that too.

Thanks!

It would be hard not to spill some in, or at least it very easily could.

You can rent a pressure tester at Autozone.

Good luck!

Thanks again. I passed along both thoughts. He has a pressure tester.

I was just reminded that after we finished with the head gaskets, we changed the oil and filter. So, it was fresh oil after HGs were installed.

When it runs, does it overheat? Was the Block tested?

The block was not tested and it doesn't over heat - but we haven't put a lot of miles on it, but its been up to operating temp many times. It runs great.

Are you losing coolant? Can your mechanic check compression?

Where exactly did you see the water, and how much?