 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Coolant Pressurising |
 
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| Bluericky Member Since: 26 Jun 2014 Location: Cornwall Posts: 647   
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Hi all
Just when I thought I was on top of my defender woes and was becoming almost complacent, the 130 had obviously felt unloved and decided to blow coolant out of the expansion bottle. It first happened on the return leg of a 300 mile round trip and I only realised when I saw a cloud of steam in my rear view mirror, not coming from the exhaust but from coolant hitting the exhaust manifold ( I was going 75mph at the time). The temperature needle remained at halfway and I pulled off the motorway ASAP Called on the RAC who were unable to diagnose any issues and couldn't get it to do it again (they tried hard) , pressure tested and passed, sniff tested and passed, shook their heads and suggested I would be better off cracking on rather than waiting for a recovery. Plugged in my OBD reader and set off with the engine temp reaching a maximum of 95c over the remaining 60 miles home. Ignition off there was an audible hiss from the cap but as it was late, I hit the hay. The coolant system was still pressurised when I went to check the levels the following morning and the coolant needed half a litre to get it back up to level. It's since spat coolant out of the bottle on two more occasions, I've taken into to my indy who was unable to come up with anything conclusive either. Passed a sniff test but a pressure test showed that the system was pressurising to 20 PSI ? At no time has it overheated nor are there any bubbles rising in the expansion bottle. The oil has no signs of contamination. I've done the following Replaced the thermostat beside the radiator, Replaced the heater valve ( it has sprung a leak when turned to hot) , Replaced the expansion bottle cap Removed and checked EGR Clearly this sounds like a head gasket or a crack in the cylinder head. Is there anything I should check before condemning the engine to either a rebuild or a replacement ? Dare I drain the coolant and pour a bottle of Steelseal in with some water to see if that works, I've read that it doesn't like mixing with certain pink coolants ! The 130 has only done 70k and is pretty much pristine. Stage 2 map from BAS Uprated Intercooler from BAS 100MM air intake from Nugget Apart from that, standard. Perhaps I should consider a 330d instead, at a bit of a loss really so any pointers would be most welcome Thank you https://www.instagram.com/hustynminepark/ |
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21st Mar 2023 12:04am |
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| Ianh Member Since: 17 Sep 2018 Location: Essex Posts: 1757
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Could it be the EGR cooler, you could try bypassing it by disconnecting and joining the hoses together, then test driving to see if symptoms remain, perhaps pressure testing the coolant to see if your getting the same PSI.
See https://www.defender2.net/forum/post333244.html |
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21st Mar 2023 1:34am |
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| Bluericky Member Since: 26 Jun 2014 Location: Cornwall Posts: 647
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Hi IanH
Thank you for the tip, I hadn't come across that. Tried bypassing it today and it made no difference sadly. I've booked it in with a reputable specialist in Falmouth but it's going to be three weeks ! I'm a bit puzzled as to why the sniff test isn't positive, yet the coolant is pressurising https://www.instagram.com/hustynminepark/ |
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21st Mar 2023 10:39pm |
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| Ianh Member Since: 17 Sep 2018 Location: Essex Posts: 1757
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I’ve read a few topics on here where RELD (sniff) tests have shown ok, however after changing many components it was a head gasket issue in the end. So unfortunately that may be the case for you as well.
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22nd Mar 2023 6:02pm |
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| Bluericky Member Since: 26 Jun 2014 Location: Cornwall Posts: 647
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Yes that’s what I feared from reading similar posts .
So the next question is, do I stick with a TDCi or go for something else , would a 330d conversion for example have a negative impact on the future value ? My feeling is to stick with the TDci , I don’t really like it but I also believe that originality is key to owning a potential classic . https://www.instagram.com/hustynminepark/ |
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23rd Mar 2023 12:20am |
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| Ianh Member Since: 17 Sep 2018 Location: Essex Posts: 1757
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I think it would be worth starting a topic that asks those that have had a head gasket replaced on a 2.4 some questions on their views and experiences, including costs and how the engine has performed over time and miles since the work was done.
Also recommendations on which companies to undertake the work and why. |
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23rd Mar 2023 12:51am |
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| neon1991 Member Since: 26 Mar 2018 Location: Colchester Posts: 74 
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I had exactly the same issues as you have had. the occasional burp of coolant. I thought it was the cap but the occasional burp turned into every time I went above 65. took it to an indi who, like me suspected a headgasket. in the end I did a snif test and it failed. worth saying that I never had any smoke from the exhaust.
I ended up finding a decent second hand engine with 40k on it from one of the guys who worked at Mahker. spent a couple of days pulling out and putting the new one in. |
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23rd Mar 2023 1:08pm |
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| steveww Member Since: 05 Jan 2022 Location: Uppingham Posts: 537 
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Swapping out a whole engine because of a head gasket is a bit extreme
Why not just fit a new head gasket? |
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23rd Mar 2023 1:22pm |
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| BrickBox Member Since: 05 Oct 2021 Location: Wales Posts: 619  
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As above - I’d much rather fit a multi layer steel gasket etc and upgrade parts than just swap out for another standard engine that may give you the same issues again.
I’d always go for a top end rebuild/skim etc. 2008 2.4 110 Utility XS. |
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23rd Mar 2023 1:36pm |
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| neon1991 Member Since: 26 Mar 2018 Location: Colchester Posts: 74
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mine had 140k on it and I needed it back on the road ASAP (electrician and use it for work) engine was available and reasonably cheap. I could do the work myself. the alternative was to strip the engine down to replace the headgasket... chances are the head is cracked and warped.. as was the case with mine. How much is it for a new head?? by the time i'd factored in the timing chain kit, new cover, head and all the other odds and ends i needed, it worked out at about the same. Okay it was a gamble that the head was cracked but from what indy garages tell me, they see a lot of them now.
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23rd Mar 2023 2:04pm |
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| BrickBox Member Since: 05 Oct 2021 Location: Wales Posts: 619
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Apologies- you did the right thing if your head was cracked. 2008 2.4 110 Utility XS.
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23rd Mar 2023 2:12pm |
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| neon1991 Member Since: 26 Mar 2018 Location: Colchester Posts: 74
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none needed... I didnt know it was cracked when it went but the Law of sod said it would be lol
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23rd Mar 2023 2:31pm |
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| Bluericky Member Since: 26 Jun 2014 Location: Cornwall Posts: 647
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Thanks guys.
I agree Stew , it does sound excessive replacing the entire engine for a head gasket but it’s not I’m told, like replacing a 300 TDci gasket (which I once did with a Haynes Manual on the drive in half a day) ! If I could find someone reputable to rebuild it in Cornwall then I possibly would but there are just too many mechanics that have wasted my time over the years. The latest chap (supposed defender expert) put my coolant leak down to the DPF and the rattle in neutral to the dual mass flywheel ….. (it’s a 2.4 TDCI ! ) I didn’t even bother putting him right, I just took it elsewhere . I’ll get it all priced up for an engine swap as I need it daily. I’m still driving around, it hasn’t lost any coolant but when I turn off the ignition the expansion bottle hiss’s fairly violently for a few minutes . Temp on OBD remains a steady 95 ish https://www.instagram.com/hustynminepark/ |
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23rd Mar 2023 7:47pm |
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| jst Member Since: 14 Jan 2008 Location: Taunton Posts: 7683 
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same mileage as mods as my 130!
my 90 had same symptons and same test results, changed most things in the end changed head gasket problem solved. M57 i am currently part way through swapping out a 200tdi. if it goes well its what i will put in my 130. Cheers James 110 XS Utility 130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making) 90 Puma Hardtop |
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23rd Mar 2023 10:01pm |
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