Land Rover Repair: 99 LR D2 coolant smell/ no obvious leaks, coolant leaks, coolant leak

Question
I consistanly smell a coolant leak when my motor is running but see no
steam, have no visibile drip, not milky substance in my oil, not smoke from
the tail pipe, and my overflow resevoir doesn't seem to change it's level.  Im
stumped as to where the coolant is leaking from.

Answer
Hi Jon,

could me from the radiator - micro leaks? Could also be throttle body leaks; O-rings can wear and small leaks can happen then quickly evaporate.

Another owner (Robert) wrote:

"If the coolant smell is more noticeable at idle, taking your head out of the window, thetwo spots are:
1.- Rad leak. Not noticeable as it evaporates before going to the ground. It's a design fault. The O-ring between rad tank and rad core simply goes. Mine did. You might see some drips(very small) in the steering bar which connects steering box with the swivel/hub. I needed a top up every 600 miles. Does not leak directly on the ground

2.- Hose leak. Only left 1 (or) 2 drips. As it is hot it evaporates. Open the hood/bonnet, look at the water pump (right of the engine, passenger side, your left as you're standing in front of the truck). You'll see 2 small rubber tubes which connect that and climb upwards, pass near the 1st cylinder of the right exhaust manifold and then go to the firewall to meet the heater matrix. Well, these pipes leak. You'll need a small (light) in order to look down there (near the exhaust manifold). Feel it with your fingertips. Most probably your fingers will end wet. Why? Because the union of these flexi pipes with the metal pipe is held with an elastic clip that is crap. if that is your case (as mine was, too), throw that clip to the dustbin, buy a decent adjustable one and fit."

Best of luck,

JohnMc

nothin like the sweet smell of coolant leaks!  argghhh.