98 Disco, cooling system problem.

[gimebakmybulits]

Had the "waterfall" sound last night (coolant not low) so I bled the system. Lot's of burping that never stopped, this morning it pushes the coolant into the expansion tank, engine temp climbed above 230 so I shut it down. Interesting thing is that the coolant in the tank is not hot. I'll be getting a block test kit after work but just wondering if anyone has run into similar symptoms that were not a cracked block. No leaks (other than what escapes the tank) no oil/water mix and engine has been running beautifully.
Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Tugela]

If the coolant in the expansion tank is not hot, it is not circulating through the cooling system. I'd check all the potential barriers to circulation - radiator blocked? Heater core? Thermostat not opening? There are probably other points to investigate that I'm missing.

 

[p m]

It doesn't have to be a cracked block - but it can be a blown head gasket.

 

[gimebakmybulits]

Block test fluid went yellow so I guess it's time to decide which direction to go.

 

[jymmiejamz]

It doesn't have to be a cracked block - but it can be a blown head gasket.

That's true, but in my experience, most of the time it is the block.

Block test fluid went yellow so I guess it's time to decide which direction to go.

Do a leak down test and if you find air leaking into the cooling system you can decided where to go from there. If it is on cylinder 1, 2, 7, or 8 it is probably the head gasket. If it is on cylinder 3, 4, 5, or 6, it is likely a cracked block.

 

[gimebakmybulits]

Ok, Should have a leak down tester this afternoon. Would a cracked block likely also leak into adjacent cylinders? Or just the water jacket?
Thanks everyone!

 

[jymmiejamz]

Usually into a water jacket, but that's if it even fails. A lot of tests can be inconclusive, but they are worth doing before deciding to take the gamble of head gaskets vs block.

 

[gimebakmybulits]

So cylinder #6 is the culprit and its not leaking to adjacent cylinders. The other cylinders are ranging from 20 - 30% leakage past the rings so I'd say this engine was pretty damn tired.

 

[jymmiejamz]

Just to be clear, it is leaking into the cooling system?

 

[gimebakmybulits]

Just to be clear, it is leaking into the cooling system?

Yes

 

[jymmiejamz]

Okay, you almost definitely need a block. There is a very slight possibility you have a cracked head, but I would say that is extremely rare. I only know of one instance of that being the case.

 

[Trent and his Rover]

Our 95 had the waterfall sound a few years back and I discovered it was due to engine plugs. I replaced all of them and the waterfall sound went away. If yours are bad, you can see them showing signs of leakage. There are four on each side but the 2 in the back where the bell housing mates are impossible to see unless the block is removed.

 

[KngTgr]

My 98 is running a little hot too, usually at 201 - 206, 221 in traffic, fan has a little ressistance when cold, but it does not change when hot, hose from the top of the radiator to the engine feels soft at all temperatures