Hello everyone, I'm new to this site. I'm hoping I can pick the brain of more experienced Disco owners in hopes of getting my baby back in tip top shape.

So I've owned a 2002 Disco for about 4 years now and so far the large majority of the maintenance I've done myself. Also the large majority of the maintenance has been cooling related. Water pump, Thermostat, Radiator, throttle body flange, hoses, gaskets, etc. Now that all those items are replaced, I have a new issue and it's the biggest one of them. Based off of the symptoms my more experienced friends tell me that it's most likely a freeze plug. What happens is that I fill up my coolant reservoir with water and I can drive up to 5 miles before the vehicle is bone dry and overheating. I have yet to find the source of the leak but it's coming from somewhere on the left side of the engine block. I've looked up these infamous freeze plugs but I can't find anything with that nomenclature. The closest thing I've found is referred to as cylinder block drain plugs. Now I can't find those anywhere online in the case that I have to replace them. Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

You need to pressure test your system. Go to Harbor Freight and get you one of these:
Radiator Pressure Tester Kit

Or some parts store loan something similar. You fill your system will coolant and then hookup the tester. Pressurize to about 15lbs. and see if you can tell where the coolant is coming from. Most likely a blown headgasket or bad hose connection if your loosing coolant that fast.

 

yes, that is a fast leak...as in pouring from a busted hose or expansion tank or forcing out a blown head gasket. it sounds like it is only coming out warm and after your engine has reached operating temp. so instead of a 5 mile risk drive, fill it up and let it idle for a few minutes, when the stat opens and allows flow/ pressure builds you will see it. live data gauge is recommended, so you are not watching the factory gauge...it will let you overheat and not even tell you.

that pressure test^^ is a better option.

 

Sure it's not a fuse Dusty?

 

Here's the pressure tester I just used, I found two leaks right away.

 

oh, yeah.......well he is using all 3 names, so I didn't want to press my luck.

 

Mark-- did this kit have the correct adapter? Looks like a good deal.

 

Yes it came with the right adapter.