Land Rover Repair: Antifreeze smell, serpentine belt, antifreeze

Question
I e-mailed you yesterday and I have more to report too you.  I looked under the hood today and the antifreeze is a perfect color.  I checked the oil and that is a perfect color.  but I did take it for a ride and noticed that  some antifreeze did drip out of the overfill hose.  Do you know what I am talking about.  It was after the car was warm and I was wondering if the smell might be antifreeze maybe leaking on something hot and then burning off the excess that leaked. If so should I try to remove some of the antifreeze?  If you don't remember this is what I wrote last night.

I have a 2001 Disco with about 35000 miles. It runs great and I have had no problems with it. The only thing that has been happening for about the last few months is that when I am sitting with the engine running idle for a couple minutes I start to smell what smells like anti freeze. The car runs fine and it has no problem with over heating or has no problem with heating up. I see no leaks or anything like that . Thanks

Answer
Hi Jeremy,

if you see a leak, its also possible for air to get in.  It could be as simple as an air blockage that is causing it to overheat.  Its also possible that (worse case) the water pump is not working well enough and causing the heat to rise.  

Just in case, check your serpentine belt to make sure its not slipping on the water pump pulley.  If the tension is not right, the water pump may not work properly.  It can also affect the power steering, alternator and battery recharge.

As mentioned in my first response, a pressure test could determine where the leak is.   IF it an air blockage, I would flush the system and replace the fluid.  Most local garages and quick lub shops can do this for under $50 or so.  They'll also make sure there is no blockage.  A flush would also remove any contaminants that could cause a blockage.

If your reservoir is overfilling, its a sign that the coolant is boiling over (over heating) and should be investigated.  DON'T let your Disco overheat!  The cylinder walls have a sleeve that has been known to DROP after extreme overheating.  IF this happens...your enging is COOKED (pardon the pun) and nothing can be done.

SO...get the problem addressed quickly before it becomes an even greater expense.

Best of luck,

JohnMc