[olddog]

Hi guys,
I need some help here...i have searched and gathered a little info so far.
I have only owned this car for about 3 weeks now...everything has been fine except for the inactive air suspension issue which was resolved.
2 weeks ago, i got a "check coolant level" message, i got it this morning again and so today being saturday, i decided to run to the autostore and top it off.
i looked at the owners manual and figured i understood what level to top it off to. I got a gallon of coolant (prestone: green in colour. didnt mix it cos i believe it comes premixed (pls correct if am wrong). I kept on pouring the coolant into the resovoir until the stick that rises up as the liquid goes in could no longer come up. (someone please tell me that was the right max level, please). It took about 90% of the gallon to fiill it up. After topping it off, i drove the car to the car wash, the "check coolant level"message did not come up and i thought all was well as car drove fine as always. I took car for a car wash and parked it.
Fast forward to later on at night, i drive to my girls place (20-30mins drive), and on my way back home i noticed the "check coolant message" and luckily noticed the temperature gauge had left its homely middle position, had moved towards the right and was right at the tip of entering the red zone.

I quickly pulled to the shoulder of the highway to let the engine cool down. after sitting in the car on the hwy for about 20-30mins, i get out and open the hood. I noticed splatters of coolant on the engine coverand around the engine bay. I opened the coolant tank as the only thing i could think about was that i overfilled it and the pressure caused the coolant to rise and force its way out somehow to cause the splatter. i opened the coolant tank to let steam come out. I turned ignition on to see where temperature was at and it rose to Quarter-way, i started the car and drove quickly to try and get home. After another 3-5mins of driving, i noticed the temperature gauge slowly leaving the middle and moving towards the right. At this second, i figured the car was overheating and had to do the common "park, let it cool and drive for a while strategy" to get it home. But to my surprise, as i was pulling to the shoulder of the highway, i noticed the temperature guage slowly went back to the middle about 5secs after it left the middle.

I pull over on the shoulder of the highway anyways but did not shut car off as i noticed it was not moving from the middle. A minute later i proceeded to drive back onto the highway to get it home. It drove totally fine as though nothing was wrong. temperature gauge was as normal in the middle.
I drove for about 15-20mins and all seemed fine. I decided to stop by the stopre to pick up some coolant just in case i had to refill. Upon getting to the store and parking the car, i noticed coolant leaking to the ground. Not sure what to make of where it was coming from, i let the car sit for about 30mins just to be safe. After that time, i poured the remaining 10% of the coolant remaing from earlier on in the day into the resevoir(couldnt get more cos freaking store already closed). I looked underneath and noticed it was not leaking out.

I drive home (about another 10mins) and all seemed totally fine. no smoke, steam or whatnot. Just a "check coolant level"message.The temperature gauge left the middle position slightly for the right whle driving but moved back to the middle a sec later so i kept driving. everything seemed totally fine. gauge stayed in middle all the way, no werid message...nothing. I get home, park the car and immediately look underneath to see if there is any steady leak. I see coolant dripping from the bottom(not sure from where cos it has been dark all this while). I also open the hood and could hear the coolant in the resovoir kinda like "boiling" and rattling in the resevoir tank.
evrything seems fine but am worried that the radiator or one of the hoses burst due to pressure from the initial point the temperature headed for the red zone. What causes me to think this is that i think the coolant is only leaking when the engine is hot and is being pushed by pressure through whereever is bursted.

What do i do? tomorrow is sunday so no mehanics available. Am thinking of getting some more coolant and filling the tank in the morning to see if there is a leak. If I dodnt see any, i will leave the car to run till engine is warmed up or even drive it around for a few minutes to see whether it overheats again or whether the coolant leaks out.
Please advise me people. am just trying to enjoy this car...i should have just left everything as it were. topping the coolant off seems to have caused all this. I noticed there was not cover on top of the radiator like most cars. Can coolant only be applied to the radiator via the resevoir tank? Could the radiator be bursted? could a pipe/hose be bursted? what could cause the dripping coolant after driving? Was i supposed to mix the Prestone coolant? Did i overfill the resevoir which in-turn left no room for pressure thereby causing a burst along the hoses or in the radiator?

Please advise..sorry for the long story. i just wanted to give details to help paint a clear picture. Any input is greatly appreciated.


Thanks
olddog

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

its 2am and am so restless and worried about the situation.....so i go downstairs and fill the resevoir with water to see whether there is a leak.
the leak is there coming out from the bottom. i tried to trace where it was dripping from and discovered that whenever i poured the water in, i could here bubbles ruptures like water was going through a hole. That made me believe the hole was definitely in the resevoir tank. I poured another gallon and put my hand under the resevoir tank and could feel the water leaking out fast. What am not sure about since it was very dark in the basement and impossible to stick my head under the resevoir tank in the bay is whether the leak is coming through a crack in the bottom of the tank or through the point where the hose connects to the resevlir tank at the bottom.
I am going to investiogate further in the morning light. And in the meantime search on a DIY on replacing the resevoir tank.


any input still appreciated...still confused on what could have caused this as i believe i topped the coolant off to the max and not more...i think



olddog

 

[delSilencio]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Which engine?
How many on the clock?

Coolant level when engine and water cold = ther are two round marks at the stick, one at the top and the next 1 Centimeter deeper. Right coolant level is when stick is at the upper edge of the filling hole between these two marks.

Okay, you need a new expansion tank, around 70€. Take a big bottle of water with you and drive to the workshop. Phone first and make sure, that they stored/ordered the expansion tank.
Next point is: Control the thermostat and check the big rubber hoses( hot and very hard? ) and the radiator and the water pump for leaks..

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

You should have just had it towed away when you first discovered the issue! You should never drive a car that has coolant issues! The temp gauge in the rover is very inaccurate and from what I've seen when it starts moving from the middle position you're already at a critical temp, putting it close to the redline is terrible.

That being said continuing to add coolant to it isn't going to solve your problem. You obviously have a leak at the expansion tank, so that'll need replacement, dealers usually have this part in stock. I noticed once you lose a coolant part, there are several other coolant parts you need to replace at the same time, otherwise one thing will fail after another. I had to deal with this a couple of months ago, it was very annoying.

Removing the expansion tank is easy, unhook the hoses going to it, remove the two hex bolts holding it in place, fit new and button it up.

If you're not car savvy drop it off at a shop and have them do it, one of the other parts that requires replacements is a rubber coupler on the back side of the engine, it requires removing some trim and awkward angles to access.

I'd also do an oil change immediately! As in not drive the truck again until you've done this! When you overheat and continue to drive as you did, your high engine temp breaks down the viscosity of the oil dramatically reducing it's performance/ability to protect internal engine parts. Hopefully when you do an oil change, you don't notice coolant in the oil... Driving around while overheating can damage your head gaskets.

 

[Monty]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Did you open up the bleed valve next to the top on the expansion tank when you topped it up?

If you didn't then there's a fair chance thats why it flushed the coolant out again.

 

[03rangiemark]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

What year is your Rover? And how long have you had it?
It sounds like you handled it well, as far as not driving it hot for too long. Brad has apparently had some traumatic, catastrophic overheating failure early in his life & is still deeply affected by that. He damned me for driving my RR to the next exit, and suggested that I ruined my engine. It's been fine. Your oil should not be ruined either, particularly if it's synthetic & you change it at least every ~ 7,500 miles more or less (depending on personal preferences). If you DO have coolant in your oil OR oil in your coolant, it is catastrophic, and you drove it much harder than you describe.

We have no idea if you bought the pre-mixed Prestone or not. Look at the jug. Does it say it's the 50/50 mix? They sell both, you know. I personally would NOT suggest using Prestone if you have the same system as mine (03-05 M.Y.). Mixing different types of coolants can cause secondary coolant system failures.

We can only guess if your expansion tank, radiator or one of the hoses failed. If you read past posts, you'll see that they all wear out as is the case with any vehicle.

One way to check your expaansion tank (if you can't find an obvious leak) is to clean coolant residue from the outside of it, the get it to operating temp & look for fresh leaks. or a trail of coolant coming from a seam.
PLEASE use the search tool of the forum to search for existing posts on coolant leaks, radiator hose failures, expansion tank failures, anything related, and it'll help you find the problem.

Best of luck, and I hope it's a minor problem.

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Brad has apparently had some traumatic, catastrophic overheating failure early in his life & is still deeply affected by that. He damned me for driving my RR to the next exit, and suggested that I ruined my engine.

When did I **** you for driving to an exit? haha It isn't really a topic up for argument, you shouldn't drive your car when you've got no coolant pumping through it. It's ok to limp it around a bit, but no more.

And I did have a traumatic experience before I knew anything about cars, back when I was 17-18 years old... Lost my radiator on the highway, decided to drive home anyway... Got home with oil spewing out from everywhere... It was explained to me as the rate the block and heads expand under high temperature differs, ruptured gaskets and caused a catastrophic failure. You know it's not ok to run an engine on low oil right? Or is it ok to limp around in that scenario too?

I learned the hard way you don't drive around when your cooling system is failing/has failed. Waiting an hour for a wrecker and making a proper repair > potentially causing more damage.

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input. Am quite car savy and learn anything almost instantly if am shown once. I change my suspension, pads, rotors and mess with almost every interior piece on my old lexuses and pathfinders. Once I get the hang of the RR, I will be somewhat competent without having to ask. Until then, I will rely on the generous help of u gurus on here.

I checked the tank out this morning with better lightng and found the culprit....a straight line crack down the side. I will be ordering the part from the dealer on tuesday being monday is a freaking holiday in Canada and i dont wish to wait for shipping from the U.S.

While investigating, I noticed this little wire here. Am not sure whether I accidentally unplugged or unhooked it while very gently feeding my hand to feel the water. Does anyone have any idea what this is and whether it should be plugged or not? It is running from the same source where a wire running to the black "thingy"connected to the power steering pump on the right is. I started the car to move it a little bit this morning and all seemed fine. so am lost here.

Last but not least, when i get the part, i figured the hardest part of the DIY will be getting the hose off the tank at the two locations where they connect. Please someone tell me, does one remove the ö-ring"pin or will using a plier and just wriggling the hose make it come off? Also, I saw a sensor like "thingy"plugged into the tank at the bottom. Does one unscrew the entire sensor from the tank or just unplug it where they connect?

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input. Am quite car savy and learn anything almost instantly if am shown once. I change my suspension, pads, rotors and mess with almost every interior piece on my old lexuses and pathfinders. Once I get the hang of the RR, I will be somewhat competent without having to ask. Until then, I will rely on the generous help of u gurus on here.

I checked the tank out this morning with better lightng and found the culprit....a straight line crack down the side. I will be ordering the part from the dealer on tuesday being monday is a freaking holiday in Canada and i dont wish to wait for shipping from the U.S.

While investigating, I noticed this little wire here. Am not sure whether I accidentally unplugged or unhooked it while very gently feeding my hand to feel the water. Does anyone have any idea what this is and whether it should be plugged or not? It is running from the same source where a wire running to the black "thingy"connected to the power steering pump on the right is. I started the car to move it a little bit this morning and all seemed fine. so am lost here.

Last but not least, when i get the part, i figured the hardest part of the DIY will be getting the hose off the tank at the two locations where they connect. Please someone tell me, does one remove the ö-ring"pin or will using a plier and just wriggling the hose make it come off? Also, I saw a sensor like "thingy"plugged into the tank at the bottom. Does one unscrew the entire sensor from the tank or just unplug it where they connect?

Pulling those hoses is easy as hell when you know what you're doing... Nobody told me and it took a few min to figure them out, lol.

You basically just pull that locking pin up and out, which obviously unlocks the quick release. At that point you just pull them apart, I threw some rags over the hoses and pulled that to save my knuckles.

The other hose/coupler you need to replace is an 18 dollar part from the dealer. It fits on the backside of the engine search the forum for it... def replace that asap, 30 min job the first time you do it. Do the oil change too... :thumb:

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

don't know why my pics wont show up but you can copy the links below (exclude the [img} and [/img] at the beginning and end of each link please)into your url browser to see them at their specified location.

Thanks for all the input, i feel confident on fixing this issue. Can you please tell me what the wire in the second link is supposed to be or connected to (if it is supposed to be)
And just for futuresake, the bleed valve next to the cover of the resevoir tank is supposed to be turned open when coolant is poured in to allow excess pressure out, right? if i had done this, is there any chance my current predicament would have been non-existent?

Thanks
olddog

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

don't know why my pics wont show up but you can copy the links below (exclude the [img} and [/img] at the beginning and end of each link please)into your url browser to see them at their specified location.


Thanks for all the input, i feel confident on fixing this issue. Can you please tell me what the wire in the second link is supposed to be or connected to (if it is supposed to be)
And just for futuresake, the bleed valve next to the cover of the resevoir tank is supposed to be turned open when coolant is poured in to allow excess pressure out, right? if i had dont this, is there any chance my current predicament would have been non-existent?

Thanks
olddog

I can't seem to place what's going on in that pic, maybe someone else can chime in or we can get another pic...

Yeah, you open that valve and pour coolant... I pour a little at a time and keep watching the float gauge as it usually pegged at the bottom while you're pouring. It won't just pop up when it's full, you need to stop pouring for it to register. I closed the system back up, bleed valve as well, ran the range for a bit, rechecked, topped off... At this point its also good to squeeze the hose coming off the rad a few times, this will usually back any air in the system out... I also suggest when you re-fit the cap, you use a brand new one.

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Thanks brad...u seem to be my "Jesus"for teh day...
A couple more questions to clear my miknd on what am going to be doing on tuesday once i get a new revevoir tank.Questions are in bold next to the step where I feel I might get lost at. Please also correct if steps are wrong or in wrong order.

-I replace the damaged resevoir tank with the new one
-I open bleed screw to let out any remaining coolant and water in radiator and tank ( where is the bleed screw and how do i get to it?)
-I close bleed screw once radiator and tank are empty
-I open resevoir tank cover and bleed valve next to resevoir tank cover
-I slowly start to pour coolant in throught the resevoir tank, at this point I also, pump the hose connecting tank to radiator to push air
-When coolant is in, I put resevoir tank cover back and close bleed valave next to resevoir tank cover
-I start car and let it warm up to regular temperature (Do I open bleed valve next to resevoir tank cover at this point in case there is excess pressure?)
-i enjoy car



Thanks
olddog

 

[scottuf]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

The other hose/coupler you need to replace is an 18 dollar part from the dealer. It fits on the backside of the engine search the forum for it... def replace that asap, 30 min job the first time you do it. Do the oil change too... :thumb:

brad, my dealer told me i need to replace the rear hose, but when i asked the parts dept, they said there are like 7 back there. the tech never clarified which one. do you have (or can you take) a pic and post it? or pm it to me? its probably the same one he was talking about.
thanks.

oh, and the crack on the expansion tank is very common, and the tank is cake to replace.

scott

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

olddog you don't need to worry about the bleed screw unless you're bleeding the system, which might not be a bad idea anyway. Its on the bottom corner of the rad. The bleed screw on the expansion tank... yeah you can leave it open if you watch it, eventually coolant will start pouring out of it though, just close it when that happens.

 

[brad s1]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

The other hose/coupler you need to replace is an 18 dollar part from the dealer. It fits on the backside of the engine search the forum for it... def replace that asap, 30 min job the first time you do it. Do the oil change too... :thumb:

brad, my dealer told me i need to replace the rear hose, but when i asked the parts dept, they said there are like 7 back there. the tech never clarified which one. do you have (or can you take) a pic and post it? or pm it to me? its probably the same one he was talking about.
thanks.

oh, and the crack on the expansion tank is very common, and the tank is cake to replace.

scott

I don't have any part information on it... And to take a pic, I'd have to pull things off my car. I know dan uk had a thread going with the whole replacement process, although I can't seem to find it for you. Maybe you'll have better luck searching for it than me.

I pulled the part out and brought it to the dealer, they gave me the new one based on what I brought in, so I don't even really know what it's called. Its basically a hose with a bmw quick disconnect on one end, open hose on the other.

 

[Norval]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

According to the service manager at my dealership, the Prestone coolant that says it is compatible with all types of coolant is repeat is ok and is compatible with the coolant approved for our machines. I now carry some around with me.

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

ok...so this morning i go to the land rover dealer at 7.30am...get the expansion tank and put it in under 30mins. I had to re-use the old cap cos they didnt have any in stock. They didnt even have the coolant in stock. I had to stop by a bmw dealership and picked 2 gallons up.
I mixed the coolant and poured it into the new tank....no leaks or whatnot. I make sure not to past the max level this time.
started car. no "check coolant level message" or whatnot. I did however notice that 5mins later when the temp gauge reached the middle position, the heater still blew absolutely cold air. i figured maybe as the coolant went through the system that would get fixed. I proceed to drive to work and on the highway (about 20 mins after installation and still not hot air), I noticed the temp heading towards the red....Lord have mercy. I park, check for leaks under the radiator and at the new expansion tank but can find not obvious leak.
I figured maybe I put too much coolant again and so i opened the bleed valve slowly next to the tank cover to allow excess air and coolant leak out. after it stops leaking from the bleed valve, i wait 10mins and proceed again. i noticed now that the heater started blowing hot air as it should but after driving 5mins the car would start overheating again with the temp guage heading towards the red zone. i parked again and let some more pressurized air and coolant out of the bleed valave again. Now the "check coolant message" shows up.
I got to work and parked it.....does anyone have any idea what could still be wrong? I cant find any leaks or drip indicating a leak.
Only thing I can think is maybe the fan is not blowing....i will have to check once i go downstairs again. I have a wire that is not connected or plugged into anythng sitting around the coolant/power steering area as i showed in the pics...not sure if that is for the fan or something else.
I am going to take it to my mechanic right after work....but for now, any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.


please help

thanks

olddog

 

[scottuf]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

bad thermostat would be my guess, but not sure why your heater wouldn't blow hot. but that could be a cause of overheating.

the main site has a section on low coolant issues: http://www.rangerovers.net/rrmkiiiremedies.html#coolant

i thought i had seen a section on overheating too, but can't find it right now.

 

[olddog]

Re: did i put too much coolant...i think my car exploded...help

Finally figured it out.....
While at work, i spent 3/4 of my 2hr workday researching radiators, coolants and overheating.
something that i found online was how air-pockets could cause overheating. I figured I would give that a try before heaving the car off to my mechanic.
i start the car in the parking lot with the expansion tank open and bleed valve removed. I let the car reach regular midway temperature and i started pouring coolant in. I filled it to the max and left it open. The excess coolant started pouring from the bleed valve and i let it run. i could see bubbles coming through the bleed valve and i knew the trapped air was being exhausted out. I left it that way for about a minute till the coolant pouring from the bleed valve was simply liquid without bubbles. shut off car, screwed back bleed valve and topped off coolant in expansion tank to a little bit below max level.
started car...drove on the same hwy that brought me to work and everything was totally fine. Ran several errands about an hour later and all seemed normal
Plus the heat was back....very hot....made me feel like i was still in Africa


Thanks alot for all the help.
Much appreciated

olddog