Land Rover Repair: Disco II Coolant System, coolant fluid, coolant system

Question
John,

Thanks for all of your hard work giving advice!  I've never asked a question prior to now, but enjoy reading what you tell other people.

I think I have a problem with the coolant system of my 2000 Disco II.  Here are the symptoms that I've notice:

(1) When running the heater, the heater will blow warm air and then all of a sudden start to blow cold air.  If you shut the heater off, it will sometimes start to blow warm air again after you turn it back on.  Sometimes it won't and will continue to blow cold air.

(2) Once in a while (especially just after starting the vehicle) I'll hear the sound of “swooshing water” coming from around the passenger's feet area.

(3) Yesterday the “Service Engine Soon” light came on.  Shortly after that, the temperature gauge started to rise.  It rose almost to the red portion of the gauge.  The high temperature warning light never came on.  Normally after the engine is warmed up the temperature gauge needle will be exactly horizontal.

(4) I have not noticed any water in the oil.  Nor have I noticed any oil in the water.

Could this be a bad water pump, blockage in the coolant system, etc, etc?  What is your advice?

Thanks a ton,
Nathan


Answer
Hi Nathan,

thanks for the kind words and support.  Nice to read feedback from fellow Disco owners.

So far, the problem seems to be with the heater assembly in your Disco.  Coolant is circulated through this system and and exchanger carries the air into the vehicle.  When you hear 'water' sloshing around, its usually a problem within the system that routes coolant fluid (heated by the engine) through this system.

You should be very careful not let the engine overheat.  Serious damage to your cyl. sleeves can result in the destruction of your engine with no hope of repair.

This type of repair is best left to the dealership.  Other mechanics may do this but its best left to the expertise of your dealer.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  If it is the heater assembly, usually the dash has to be opened up and it can very very complicated.  Sometimes if its located elsewhere and air has managed to enter the system, you could be spared all that labour.  The rad could be pressure tested for leaks or blockage and the entire system could be pressure tested too...just in case there is headgasket trouble.  I hope not!

finger's crossed.