Hello, I recently picked up a '00 Disco 2 with 115k and a blown transmission. I swapped out a rebuilt and this thing runs like a champ, but I have been chasing leaks ever since. I recently replaced the timing cover gasket, oil pan gasket, water pump, timing chain, and oil pump. I was leak free for a whopping three days.

Yesterday I had coolant droplets under the car after a short trip (3-4 miles). Under the car it was on the front cross member, front drive shaft and front differential. It looks like a small amount of coolant is coming down the back passenger side of the engine block. The leak stops as the engine warms up.

My assumption is that the head gasket has blown and is leaking coolant from the back passages, but I have never had a head gasket that just leaked coolant in this way. There is no coolant in the oil, compression is good. So, my question would be is this just a head gasket, or is there something more at play?

 

you need to borrow or rent a cooling system pressure tester it is the only way you can find your leak without guessing.
The water jackets run up and down the front and back of the block, it is possible to have a head gasket that leaks externally.
I could also be the valley pan gasket, this is where the pressure test comes in.

 

Could also be hidden freeze plug that's starting to go.

 

I ran a pressure test on Friday morning and couldn't find a leak. I assumed that I must have messed up the test, so I left it with a mechanic over night. I just picked it up and he couldn't find a leak either, so I am stumped. My best guess is that coolant must have pooled up somewhere when I changed the timing gasket. I am in Arizona, so if there is a coolant problem it will certainly show itself in a couple of months when it reaches 105. For the time being I am carrying coolant with me and watching the temp gauge.

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I'll need more, I have no intention of getting rid of the Disco.