Hi all, I have recently discovered a leak in one of the radiator hoses on my discovery II S Td5, instead of fixing just the one hose I have ordered a whole hose kit for it and plan on replacing the lot! (Radiator, intercooler, etc). Has anyone done this already? are there any hints as to making this job easyer? and, by dropping the bottom hose on the radiator will this drain all coolant from vehicle or do I need to drain engine as well.

 

You will still have some coolant left in your engine, there are 2 drain plugs on either side of the block but they are impossible to get at. Just flush it out with water and remember to set your heater to max to get that out as well. Remove the plastic side cover to get at the bottom radiator hose easier.
You need a pair of long slender arms and skinny hands to make the job easier, otherwise you're just SOL.

 

Thanks for the tips Bundu, will definately take on board, not much I can do about the fat hands though, i guess persistance will be the key.

 

Is there anything else I should consider doing while I've dropped the hoses and coolant, all opinions appreciated?

 

Replace the thermostat if you can.
I am not sure where it is located on a TD5 (we cant get those here in the US).
But a good flush of the entire cooling system with clean water until it comes out clear and then put it back together and refill with your favorite coolant as long as it is NOT Dex-Cool.

 

Thanks Spike555, will change thermostat, not sure what Dex-cool is or if it is available in AUS, brand of coolant I've got is Caltex Delo extended life coolant, contains ethylene glycol 4pts/1Gal. Think thats the right conversion 50% anyway.

 

Why not Dex-cool? I thought OAT/Dex-cool is required.

 

There is a huge debate about Dex-cool being more corrosive than the old green antifreeze. What I have found is that Dex-cool is better at protecting aluminum than the green, but will become corrosive when air is introduced into the system, from a leak. I personally run Dex-cool in my vehicle, but check all fluids in the engine bay at least twice a week, and if I discover a leak, I fix it immediately. Also, there is NO WAY I would keep it in my system for 10 years/100,000 miles like advertised. I do a coolant flush every two years.

 

No, nothing is "required", especially not engine coolant.

http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dex-cool.htm

This is right in the "write up" section on the top of the page.
This is the most common leak on a DII and this is what Dex-Cool does when exposed to air.

https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...954#post153954

Use any aluminum safe coolant you want just change it ever 2 years.
Hell man, your DII came with Dex-Cool from the factory and Dex-Cool is supposed to last 100,000 miles but yet Land Rover says to change the engine coolant every 36 months or 45,000 miles, whichever is sooner.
So you have to ask yourself why they recommend that when they put in a 100,000 mile coolant, may be they know something?

Dex-Cool is environmentally friendly and a car company can reduce their CAFE fines if the use enviro friendly stuff in their cars.