Member Since: 03 Jun 2011
Location: Glos
Posts: 10
Engine coolant problem
Hello
I have what I think is a big problem on a disco 3. Lent it to a friend to tow with, fan belt broke which he repaired but now it continually shows a low coolant level.
On checking, small bubbles are seen entering the top of the header tank from the top radiator bleed.
He told me the car only lost a small amount of coolant but at a first glance I think either a head gasket has started weeping or something is cracked.
You can fill the header up and start the engine but it doesn't pump out like a normal blown gasket but on fitting the rad cap the pressure builds up to a point where the water in the tank disappears!
If you release the cap and therefore pressure the water floods back in!
There is no water in the oil,no emulsified oil , no steam from the exhausts and the car appears to run better than before!
I have searched through the threads that mention steel shim gaskets that don't blow so I guess I'm looking at a crack somewhere.
I think this might prove terminal for this car but I thought I would run it past you all in case I'm missing something.
Thanks for any help offered
24th May 2015 9:17 pm
stephenw46
Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 1215
Firstly I would bleed the system and get her warmed up so the heaters are blowing hot then I would let her cool down and put a pressure testing gauge on her, and build the pressure up to see if she drops then release the pressure and run the engine to see if there is a pressure build up good luck
Top it up and bleed as per the correct procedure. Do a search on here and you will find it.Mark.
2006, D3 SE Auto - gone but not forgotten.
2014 BMW 530d M Sport Tourer.
1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500
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25th May 2015 6:05 am
Kingmav66
Member Since: 20 Jul 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1349
Member Since: 03 Jun 2011
Location: Glos
Posts: 10
Thanks for all your ideas.
I have already bled the system through the bleed points,even at one point back bleeding it through the bleed tube at the top of the engine!
The car has sat for a week since I last ran it and the system still had pressure in it when I released the cap.
I think it can't have a crack/leaking gasket and still maintain pressure for that long.
I will try the full bleed routine tomorrow and post an update.
Again thanks for all advice.
I have read about EGR coolers. Can these introduce pressure into the system?
25th May 2015 7:17 pm
Davygib1
Member Since: 21 Jul 2024
Location: Killinchy
Posts: 1
Hi did you eventually find what exactly was causing this pressure in the header tank as I have just bought a disco with this happening same as urs and it's a bit confusing as I cannot smell any exhaust fumes in the tank but it bubbles badly and the pressure will remain in the system forever.
Thanks in advance
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good luck
