Hey guys, bought a 2016 LR4 and it ran great, everything in great condition, a little rough idle. I replaced the PCV valve and reconnected a vacuum line that was disconnected and it runs great. Started chasing a coolant leak.....the little elbow into the water pump first, then the thermostat housing, then the water pump and tube and gaskets on the back along with a replacement bleeder valve in the top of the front crossover pipe. With all that done, I vacuumed the coolant system and it held the vacuum for over 10 minutes without loosing any vacuum so I filled with coolant.

I test drove for about 35 minutes, stop and go, max speed about 45 MPH. No issues at all, no visible leaks, drips, drops or change in coolant level once it cooled down. The next day I drove it to work, shorter drive, but zero issues. Leave for lunch and drive to a restaurant, no issues. Head back to the office and as I'm exiting the highway (65MPH) it throws a low coolant warning that goes away in about 15 seconds. I pull around the corner into my parking lot and shut the car off and pop the hood. The bleeder valve on the crossover pipe was gone and coolant was all over the place. The reservoir isn't completely empty but obviously I caught a ride home and have to go get the LR4 this weekend. I've ordered a replacement bleeder valve and I'll have it later today.

2 questions.

1. If I replace the bleeder valve and vacuum and refill with coolant I would like to drive it home, about 3.5 miles. Would this be an issue?

2. Thoughts on what cause the valve to blow in the first place? I didn't have any white smoke, engine didn't overheat, and the oil appears normal with no signs of coolant. My gut tells me head gasket because of the pressure it would take to blow that valve, but I see no signs of head gasket problem. Is there a chance I just didn't get the bleeder valve in properly? Or should I assume head gasket?


I've changed head gaskets on American vehicles before, how is it on a LR4?

 

@jdubya never start with head gaskets ever unless you have the obvious signs white smoke, milkshake oil and over pressure even that should spew out the overflow pipe.

My bet is just a bit of bad luck.

The bleeder screws just fail, have since the D2's BMW has the same problem, it is very possible you just forget to tighten down, I did it on my D2.
Get it full of coolant and drive home on a cold engine 3.5 miles should not be an issue just take it easy. Make sure the bleeder tightens,BUT DO NOT OVER tighten they are basically plastic, does not matter if it seeps a bit until you get home.
When you get home check all the bleeders make sure they are in good shape, and replace the Rad cap just in case.

Now the big one LR since the D2 are notoriously hard to bleed,check your coolant every day and before every start if it has sat for more than a couple of hours. If you have an air bubble it will work it's way out.