Slow coolant leak. Any ideas what's wrong?

[KapitanBlood]

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time posting...I have a 2012 LR4, 73K miles. Recently, I've noticed a leak in the coolant system. I used a DEPSTECH camera yesterday and the leak seems to come from the L (passenger side) back engine area. Attached are the pics I took. Any ideas where this is coming from?

 

[16FujiDisco]

First thought is the rear crossover pipe; common issue.

 

[ugmw177]

agree. rear crossover or aka heat manifold. The tend to weaken/split along seams and week coolant. Only realy way to be sure, is the remove the inlet manifold and have a good look. If you go to that trouble, you should just replace it as a matter of course and replace the front crossovers while in there if they have not been replaced before as they can catastrophically fail

 

[KapitanBlood]

Thanks for the replies. Ya, I've been thinking to do that repair. Thinking of replacing:
1. Rear crossover pipe (with aluminum part)
2. Front crossover pipe (with aluminum part)
3. Water pump

Anything else?

 

[ftillier]

Some people also replace the thermostat, but the LR indy shop that did mine last time said the thermostats tend to not fail catastrophically so you can wait until there's an actual problem. Some of the bleed plugs are plastic and may disintegrate when you remove them to let air out, and there's brass versions (from BMWs I think?) that you can use instead.

 

[KapitanBlood]

Sounds good, thanks for all the responses, everyone! Glad I'm in this misery called the love of Land Rovers with a bunch of nice guys.

 

[ugmw177]

i would replace the thermostat and housing while at it as parts are not that expensive and you will have to drain a lot of the coolant anyhow to do the crossovers. Also research the aluminum pieces for the v8 as there are not any JLR aluminum pipes for it, only the v6 so they would be aftermarket and reviews are mixed.

 

[KapitanBlood]

I heard about that (plastic vs aluminum). Any manufacturer you guys recommend? I know Lucky8 sells a kit

 

[richord]

I had the same situation on my 2015 LR4. I could smell coolant after driving the vehicle and had to refill the coolant periodically , but nothing showing on the ground. I also used a camera to inspect. My front pipes had been replaced by the previous owner so there was no need to change those.

I wanted to avoid removing the supercharger. I was able to replace the rear crossover pipe with an aftermarket aluminum WMPHE version from Amazon. Fit perfectly and I did not have to touch the supercharger.

It's been in the truck about 4 months now and I've checked for leaks and none.

 

[VTBike]

I have the SCV6 - I went this all inclusive kit at parts master - the upgrade coolant kit V4. Lucky off roads seem similar. I had to remove supercharger - so figured while I was in there was just going to do everything I could, so I did the water pump and thermostat, did drive belts and tensioners, etc..

I just don’t know I’d buy these parts of Amazon but respect for trying it out! I can’t say I know where the parts from these kits come from either.

2015-2020 Land Rover Cooling System Upgrade Kit V4 - Aj126 3.0L V6 S/C

Engine application: AJ126 3.0L V6 Supercharged - Gas/Petrol Compatible Models: Land Rover. Range Rover. Range Rover Sport. Velar. Discovery. LR4 & more Other Names: Low-Temp Cooling System Kit, Engine Cooling System Upgrade Kit Warranty: 1-Year Replacement warranty Key Benefits:Stop leaks and...

www.partmasterhub.com