I just bought a 2000 Disco II with 127K miles. It drove fine for a week and then it started to overheat. I noticed that the coolant level was almost non-existent so I filled it back up and drove it for about 5 miles with no problems. On the way to work the next morning (after about 5 miles) I heard what sounded like rushing water hitting the firewall every time I accelerated from a stop. Needless to say, on the way home, it overheated again and there was no coolant in the reservoir. The coolant was all over the right side of the engine compartment. From the spray pattern, it appears as though it is coming from the reservoir cap. The cap was on tight so I was wondering if its possible to check if the cap is bad or if it is some other issue. I did pull the reservoir and check the hoses. No cracks and they appear to be on tight. Please help!

 

Intake gasket is the possible leak if it's hitting the firewall. I would suggest doing a pressure test.

 

sounds like thermostat to me...any coolant in the oil?

 

There doesn't appear to be any oil in the coolant plus the spray pattern is from the top down as the top of the fuse box is half covered with coolant but the under-hood is not affected. There is no coolant on the engine itself. It seems to stay to the left side of the engine compartment when looking at it from the front of the vehicle. Thanks for the input.