Purchase a 2006 LR3 2 months ago, currently has 120k miles. Noticed a small pool of coolant under the car while going to grab dinner this evening, checked coolant levels and it was low in the reservoir but not bone dry. Checked for active leaks, but the only coolant I could find other than that on the ground and skid plate was this small pool near the top of the motor just under the engine cover. Is this the thermostat housing that I heard can eventually crack, leaking? Or somewhere else I should check? Doesn’t appear to be the coolant T either. Thanks

 

The thermostat housing is a possible culprit and likely from what I am seeing.

 

Yes, just did some more searching and everything I’ve read is pointing to the thermostat housing as well. I’ll likely end up doing it myself, but what would/should an independent shop charge to replace it?

Any issues using this housing that’s a fraction of the cost of the LR Genuine part?

 

Unless you want to do this again, go genuine. I have read more than a few times the aftermarket ones ended up cracking or failing in short time. Keep in mind its more than a plastic part when you buy one. It has a new temp sensor and a whole new t-stat. So its a pretty robust part. So if you go cheap, its not just the housing that may be sub-par, but the other bits. Also keep in mind shops hate it when people bring their own parts, so I would venture if you want to save some cash you can indeed do this yourself. Its not terribly difficult.

 

100% agree on going genuine

 

For those who have done the replacement - any recommendations on specialty tools/extensions/etc outside the norm that will make it easier?

 

Honestly the best thing for it is patience. A couple bolts are a bit fiddly that attach it to the heads. Nothing to crazy that I remember needing when I did one a couple years back

 

a few 1/4" extensions and a 1/4" 8mm universal joint socket. There are 4-8mm bolts that hold the throttle body that need to be removed. The rest is gravy.