Land Rover Repair: LR D3 low coolant level, land rover discovery, coolant level

Question
Dear John,
I have a 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 4.4L V8 HSE. It's been six months since I bought the vehicle. Last Saturday while driving, a warning message pop up for low coolant level. I checked the coolant reservoir in the engine bay, the level was below the low mark. I also noticed there was some whitish residue along with some dripping of the coolant solution around the circular fixed cap. This is a small black cap that cannot be removed or unscrewed and is situated at top of the plastic coolant reservoir. I also observed that there were more leaked coolant from underside of the reservoir, possibly from the dripping from top but I was not sure. All pipes around the reservoir seem clean and were free from coolant splits. The reservoir refilling cap was well secured when I first inspected the coolant reservoir. The above was the description of the problem. I would like to seek your expert opinions on what may went wrong in this case. Thanks John.

Regards
Eric  

Answer
Hi Eric,

I think I've had only 3 questions from 2006 LR3 owners...that's good.

As for your coolant leak, obviously the expansion tank could not contain the boiling over and released some coolant.  The spill leaked out and leaked underneath the reservoir.  The white stain is a dried deposit from the leak.

Since your LR3 is under warranty, I would take it to the dealer and have them inspect the coolant system.  There may be a blockage either in the radiator, engine block or heater matrix.  By bring this to the attention of the dealer, it is an official record that you are making and you draw attention to this potentially serious problem.

IF your engine continues to overheat and boil the coolant, it can cause serious damage to the headgasket and even the cylinder sleeves.  Headgasket repair is expensive but can be repaired, however, cylinder sleeve damage results in a new engine.

Be careful how you maintain your new LR3...make sure you document all your warranty visits and leave nothing unchecked while under warranty.  Once the warranty is over, you will be the one to pay the bills.

Best of luck,

JohnMc