Leaking Coolant - What should I be looking for?

[delphaio]

Hi all,

My 1994 Disco had just completed a 2600 mile trip, when I got home, it let loose all of its coolant. I did not have any previous over heating problems, nor did I have any indication that Betsy (The Disco) was un happy. I have filled it up with water and started it up and tried to track down the leak. It seems to be collect on the valley pan on top of the block behind the head, ie towards the passenger compartment. Any ideas ???? I talked to the local independant Rover guy, who thinks I need new Valve Cover Gaskets & New Intake Gaskets, he wants $600. (He works at a local shop, but this would be work on the side). Does that seem possible, I don't know a whole lot about engines, and I am trying to learn, but could worn and leaky Valve Cover, and Intake gaskets drain my cooling system??? Help !

 

[delphaio]

Okay, so after a bit more reading ... Yes I guess it's possible that this is where the leak is coming from ... So I guess does $600 sound reasonable to change the intake, and valve cover gaskets? Is this something that a technically inclined (computers) person could do???

 

[joey]

I think at $600 someone is trying to rip you off... JMHO, Your only talking a few hours work at best say 5 if you take your time.... so that is $125 a hour... hmmm I don't think I would take it to him.

 

[LisaB]

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my '00, but not the intake gaskets-they weren't leaking. If you need to replace your intake gaskets you might as well replace the valve cover gaskets because they are completely accessable at that point and they are prone to leak. I replaced the 12 point valve cover bolts with allen head bolts from a local hardware store because the stock bolts tend to round off. They take a 1/4-20 bolt (yes, not metric). There are a pair of heater hoses that go into the firewall near the rear of the P.S. cylinder head, at least on my '00; you might check to see if that's where the leak is. Also, while you are in that far, consider replacing the plug wires with Magnecors, and replacing the split wire loom or re-wrapping the wires as the loom and tape may have deteriorated. This is a good opportunity to do some maintenance, save some money, and learn more about your Landy. Good luck and have fun!