300 tdi fluid loss

[Vaughan]

my 300 is losing a header of water every 300-400 km with no signs of abnormalities. could someone please direct me to a few susceptible water loss locations apparently invisible?

[mmgemini]

Black header tank ??

Have a look at the back of the tank under the wing. Check that it's not split there.

OR

Look at the left side of the block, at the front. Check the P gasket isn't leaking. That leak can dry off with a warm engine.

mike

[BogMonster]

Yep what Mike said above. The water pump/P gasket would be a likely cause of that sort of loss, more info in the tech archive forum.

Also check the header tank cap is retaining pressure and there are no weeps from the radiator matrix as if original most 300Tdi rad matrixes will be getting pretty ripe by now! Ten years is often time to look at a new radiator core.

[Vaughan]

Thanks Mike already changed that for a white one, p seal done with new water pump recently, but may account for inconsistent belt squeak ?? have replaced pulley and idler bearings and belts

[Vaughan]

okay, now I have got oily scum rapidly building up lining inside the header tank, motor still performing typicaly, no signs of bubbles in the rad top plug while running and water appears clean in that location as well. any link possible with oil cooler?

[Guest diesel_jim]

okay, now I have got oily scum rapidly building up lining inside the header tank, motor still performing typicaly, no signs of bubbles in the rad top plug while running and water appears clean in that location as well. any link possible with oil cooler?

sounds like head gasket/crack in the block. to get oil in the water-ways isn't too good news.

where are you located Vaughan?

[Vaughan]

Land Rover at home Port Campbell Australia, incidentally I am moving to Devon for a year next week. May be a good project for my old man while I am away...