QuestionJohn,
I have had the truck over a year now and about 3 months my temp. gauge went up and then game down with no problem(it was a hot day in Mississippi). I checked the fluids and sure enough it was little low with antifreeze and some water(thus added some) Over the course of the last 3 months it seems to be getting worse with the amount of fluids Im having to put in and the number times I'm having to do it. First thing I checked were leaks and no problem. Here is were it gets funny, every time I add fluid to the proper level and then run it for a short time, extra fluid boils over the excess valve. So does this mean that there was enough fluid in engine to begin with? I really hate how there is no reserve tank on the LR! Second, idea was maybe the cap isn't on tight, well the makes the fluid flow over more but when the cap is on lightly there is no over flow but steam coming from the cap. I don't think its a themrostat problem because the temp. gauge doesn't go up or down, it just goes straight up. I also checked the engine for water or a milky substance and nothing I could see was in the oil(I thought antifeeze could be going to the engine). Thanks, for any ideas!
AnswerHi Brandon,
I would flush the coolant completely from your Disco. It is possible that either you have a blockage of air or some sort of deposit within the lines or the rad. Flush out ALL of the coolant then run a garden hose thru the system to see what washes out.
Next, a strainer or a white garbage pail would come handy in this case. With the top and bottom hoses detached, run water thru the rad until you see what comes out of the bottom drain. If your rad is block (calcium deposits, lime, ...who knows what!) this can cause fluctuations in your cooling system.
A complete flush at a reputable quick lube shop is ok BUT you want to make sure they examine the waste to check for any gunk that comes out.
Air blocks can also cause cooling headaches BUT I'd be concerned about how the air block first began. Its true that extreme temps can boil off some coolant thus allowing air to get trapped inside. Adding coolant can then complicate this and push the air further into the system.
SO...start with a COMPLETE coolant flush. Check the waste fluid for chunky gunk (deposits) and go from there. IF the deposits are flushed, it could save your rad. You may try some rad flush products that help reduce deposits - most Advance auto part stores have something to offer. If the deposits are really bad, you'll need a new rad.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
