Thermostat replaced still no heat

[rovergal]

Ok guys here I am again.....

2000 Landrover Discovery II 87000 miles. I have off/on heat...I just installed a new thermo thinking that was the problem but now I think its the culprit of a coolant leak. I have narrowed it down to a leak at the Throttle Body Heater Gasket area - - - for one leak that is.

But I cant figure out is why is kicking out antifreeze. I have done the proper steps to remove the air and the heat will work just fine. The minute I drive to work ( a small distance-less that 3 miles) I generally have heat, but getting ready to come home at night no heat. Blows just cold air. When we check the coolant is low.

Anybody got any ideas on this one??????????????

I would appreciate your guidance. Christi

 

[maximus]

Hope it's not too cold where you live

Rovergal,

I have experienced a similar problem in my Jaguar. Have you tried running the heater in economy mode and manually selecting heat (not using auto mode)

The problem in the Jag was a faulty solenoid control for heater mixture in the dash right beside the heater core. There was an electrically operated gate on the water inlet to the heater core that controlled flow and hence heat.

I watched as the technician selected the maximum and minimum heat settings and the solenoid would barely move. He said he could lock it in full heat mode by disconnecting the solenoid and moving the gate to it's wide open position until the new part came in. I declined and said I would leave it with them as I had my 01 Disco I could drive in the mean time.

 

[rover1]

Is your passenger side floor panel wet? Or when you make a hard turn do you hear any "sloshing"? Could be a heater core O ring - you'd better hope not though. $10 O ring, $1000 for dealer to install it (at least on Range Rover)

 

[rovergal]

Maximus I live in Maine as of right now not so cold....but it can change any minute...things are pretty mild right now so Im trying to figure this problem out before it get COLD again....and I freeze my buns off inside my vehicle.

 

[maximus]

Rovergal

I have also seen this problem in a jeep I used to own that had a closed coolant system similar to a Disco.

The coolant system is very susceptible to air bubbles getting trapped and causing no flow problems. It was pretty evident though, the engine would gradually heat up to a very high level.

When you added coolant to your recovery tank did you have your heater set on high heat? This will open the flow gate to your interior heater core to maximum and allow air bubbles to pass through the heater core.

This may sound slightly condescending, but did you install the thermostat in the correct direction? Lastly, I would remove the thermostat completely and reseal the inlet and run the engine to normal operating temperature making sure to top off the coolant level while doing so. See if your heater works in this mode, without the thermostat and all air bubbles allowed to escape.

I spent some time in Maine working at the port of entry in Jackson, St. Aurelie, and several others. It do get rather chilly up there. Good Luck.

 

[rovergal]

Maximus I dont take your concerns as condescending. Yes the thermostat is installed in the correct direction. But I will take your advice and remove it and reseal the inlet.

I just moved to Maine from NC this weather takes some getting use to.

Oh by the way, I did put the heat on economy mode where I set the temp and this morning the temp was great... This is undoubtedly driving me crazy. This year is the year everything is going bad on the vehicle

 

[maximus]

Good to know you have some heat

Hi again Christi,

I did some research today and I apologize for giving you bad advice, namely removing the thermostat. I did not know it was a "Y" type. You can still bypass it by picking up an inexpensive PVC y from home depot and using that as a bypass device. They should have one that matches your hose sizes.

Just for my Info, do you have an engine block heater? Do you park your Disco indoors in freezing weather? I used to live in wyoming and retro-ed a block heater into my Jeep, what a difference.

On to other things, you placed your heater controls in economy mode, effectively shutting off the A/C compressor which is how I am running mine right now. Save a little gas too. Did the heater work on both trips today(to/from work)? You may also try disconnecting the negative battery cable to reset the electronics and the control head for the climate system. Be forewarned, all radio presets will be gone as well as engine management settings in your ECU. It may drive a little funny until the ECU gathers enough information to fully manage the engine and associated electronics.

 

[rovergal]

Maximus-yes the heat worked great on economy mode yesterday both to/from work and this morning as well. Thank goodness since its snowing today!