Land Rover Repair: Coolant leaks, coolant leaks, plenum chamber

Question
I have a 1999 4.6 rover and ther is coolant leaking from back top of engine. When I start the car it only takes a 30 seconds for fluid to start leaking out the rear top somewhere of the engine. I also found a leak at the throttle body heater. I can,t see where the coolant is leaking from the top rear of engine. Any ideas. Maybe ther is a hose back there I do not know about. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Thamk You

Answer
Hi Matt,

the first leak sounds like either the feed or return hose of the heater matrix (heater core).  They have been known to leak - most times into the cabin and all over the carpet! The only hoses I know that run to the top and rear are those for the heater matrix.*  

IF one of these hoses is leaking the repair will be expensive.  IF the hose or even an O-ring need to be replaced, you have to disconnect it from the matrix which requires having the dashboard dismantled.  Est. ~10 hours of labour plus parts, upwards of $1000.

The Plenum chamber has both feed and bleed pipe. Could that be the other leak?  Maybe the by-pass hose?  Compared to the matrix hose repair, these are much easier a) to fix; b) on the wallet.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

*I've known owners who've made a copper "U" pipe to bypass the matrix BUT they live in warm climates and never use the heater.