Land Rover Repair: 95 Disco overheats, difficult cold starts, land rover discovery, air traps

Question
hello..I have a 1995 land rover discovery..First Timer..I found it in the newspaper..it was not running..the water pump was not working..so i replaced it and the term-o-stat
and the fuel filter..It take a few times to start when it is cold..after started when i turn if off it will start  right up.(happens every time when it is cold).next Q..
I called a rover dealership they said to open the small nut on top of the ray-d-ator(Plastic)Then with a funnel To add coolant wile it is running..i don't think i did it right
is their a way to do it right..i think their my be air pockets..after running it will start running hot..but.when i open the cap on the plastic reserve and relieve pressure
it will start cooling down..can you give some i dears
...Thanks...Paul


Answer
Hi Paul,

make sure to test the battery - has to be fully charged and stable.  You may want to replace the wires, plugs, distributor cap and rotor.

As for the heat, normal temp level is right in the middle of the gauge.  If you suspect air pockets, best to drain all the fluid and replace with new coolant.  Yes, running the engine with the rad plug off is one way to ensure no air traps.

You may want to have a radiator shop perform a pressure test on the system - could be that the radiator is plugged.  If it's the original radiator, its probably due to be replaced.  

Best of luck,

JohnMc