Coolant Crossover Pipe Repair 5.0 V8

[f1racer328]

UPDATE: I am still leaking coolant from somewhere... I just haven't figured out the source. It's strange because it is inconsistent and there are no signs of leaking or dripping from the engine... block valley is dry, front of engine is dry, back of engine is dry, hoses and connections are dry... yet, there is coolant on the skid plate (towards the front) and in the driveway. A possible correlation I am starting to see is that it only seems to leak when it sits overnight, and the outdoor air temp is fairly cold.. below 40ish degrees F. So far, it hasn't dipped below that temp very often, which kind of makes the inconsistency make sense. I am wondering if there is a hairline crack in the radiator that only leaks when it contracts from cold weather... previous pressure tests didn't indicate a leak there, but I guess I will try again. My knowledge is limited, so will be grateful for any help with a few (probably dumb) questions:

-I haven't pulled the skid plate off yet to see drip locations, but what coolant components are towards the bottom of the engine bay that I should consider?
-Will a cold engine cooling system pressure test from the reservoir show a radiator leak? My simple understanding is that the thermostat blocks flow to the radiator until it warms up.
-Is there a way to pressurize only the radiator using the top hose? (This may be a dumb idea)
-Maybe a dye test would be better?

If you have OEM coolant (and maybe other brands too, not sure) it will glow pretty good under a UV flashlight.

I had a very small leak from my radiator. Coolant never even hit the ground.

 

[txfromwi]

As above, OEM coolant is UV active, no need for adding anything.
Plenty of locations to examine, take your pick.
Time to get dirty!

 

[RoverTide]

Thanks guys... Will grab a UV light and take a look.

F1racer - did you end up replacing your radiator?

txfromwi - Thanks for the cooling system images. Curious where you got those?

 

[f1racer328]

F1racer - did you end up replacing your radiator?

Yup. It was a pain in the ass.

It's difficult to remove if you don't disconnect the AC condenser and evacuate all of the refrigerant.

It was easier getting my replacement in, but that was after I figured out how it was going to fit. I think there are a few threads here related to the replacement.

 

[RoverTide]

Yup. It was a pain in the ass.

It's difficult to remove if you don't disconnect the AC condenser and evacuate all of the refrigerant.

It was easier getting my replacement in, but that was after I figured out how it was going to fit. I think there are a few threads here related to the replacement.

Good to know. I need a new ac compressor... So, if my radiator needs replacing I'll do it before I fix the ac.

 

[txfromwi]

Thanks for the cooling system images. Curious where you got those?

From the mechanics manual, field service manual whatever you care to call it.
Available on line.

 

[Dahyno]

From the mechanics manual, field service manual whatever you care to call it.
Available on line.

Is there a link? I've tried googling for this before and failed. I would like to purchase if possible.

 

[txfromwi]

Just Google Land Rover mechanics manuals, many options will be listed.
I purchased mine from Craigsmanuals.net

 

[Jimmy Brooks]

Just Google Land Rover mechanics manuals, many options will be listed.
I purchased mine from Craigsmanuals.net

There was a forum on here that had a link to the pdf of the whole manual, all engines and everything.

Here is a link to it VIA google drive, let me know if this works.

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eGUpCwgfO0Jw07Ex4lkZUIrsvKFIrQo3/view?usp=drive_link

 

[RoverTide]

Latest.... Had a few puddles under the car, and had to add a few ounces of coolant earlier last week. So, I added some UV dye to the coolant and have been driving it for a few days. I haven't seen a puddle under the car, nor have I seen any glowing drips/leaks (using the UV light) anywhere in the engine bay since. Not sure what to think about that. I guess I will just continue keep an eye on it.