By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:03 am: Edit

Seriously.... !!!!

Had someone coming back in from lunch mention that there was a puddle under the Rover, so I went to look... expecting it to be A/C condensation from the 95% humidity we've been having. Nope! Antifreeze. Damn.

Checked the side-tank, though, and it was filled to level. And, the smallish puddle is on the ground way back towards the back of the engine bay, not up front... the radiator and all associated lines at the front are tight and not the source.

I'm thinking either a) a freezeplug, or b) transmission cooler lines.... but no, doesn't the tranny fluid go forward, and not the antifreeze back? Or does the cooling-fluid go back to cool the tranny? Or c) it's coming from elsewhere and is running along parts to make the puddle appear to be further back?

I'm expecting c, but thought I'd throw this to you all before I have to head home this evening, and then try to find it. (Gonna have lots of extra water w/ me, and a close eye on the temp gage!!)

-L

By Perrone Ford on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:09 am: Edit

When I had this happen, the culprit was the little hose that connects on the back of the waterpump. That little bastard was a pain in the butt to change, and only leaked when you brought up the revs. So you wouldn't see it if you were just looking in the engine bay, but you could see it if someone stepped on the gas while you were looking over the hoses.

Good luck

By Rob on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:12 am: Edit

When I had it happen it the plastic Raditor cap had cracked. So when I was driving it would come out. Replaced with a copper raditor cap.

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:13 am: Edit

Sounds like I'm bee-lining to TRG for an extra set of Rover-eyes to verify.... or see what else it might be...

Thx,

-L

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:17 am: Edit

Hey Rob,

You're not talking about the coolant tank, but about the "do-not-open" cap on the radiator itself? Did it just lift, then fall back once cool?

-L

By Rob on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:37 am: Edit

On the top of the radiator itself. It is a plastic cap (black I believe) Should be top left in the very front of the truck. It is very common for it to crack that is why the sell a metal one now. You are not ever supposed to open the radiator cap while the engine is hot!!

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 09:55 am: Edit

Right!

I know exactly of which you speak... mine appears intact, totally dry, etc. etc... ie, the "do-not-open" cap. No, this problem isn't from it.

It could very well be something from behind or down low... given the location of the start of the puddle, that would be the first thought. Usually, though, things tend to drip-run run-drip fall to the ground, so the leak isn't right over the puddle...

I just went out and let it idle for just a minute, enough to open the thermostat and equalize the fluid, and then I cut it off before letting it get hot at all; checked the reservoir tank and it was still right on the mark for the right level. SO...

I'll be wide-eyed all the way to the shop, but I think it'll be okay... will try to diagnose it more precisely there.

-L

By doug95lwb on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 12:47 pm: Edit

When you drive it today, loosen the reservoir tank cap, NOT the Little one on the radiator. Loose, like one or two gentle turns on the threads.That will reduce the pressure build-up in the system, and allow most or all of the coolant to remain in the engine/system until a full diagnosis is done. Good luck...