dreaded coolant level warning

[ftillier]

A few weeks ago I got the low coolant warning on the dash, and lo and behold, the expansion tank was empty. I haven't really been watching it much since having the coolant system done a few years ago (25k miles ago). I filled it with 50/50 mix and have been monitoring since, and it is now about a half inch below the cold fill mark. This morning was quite a bit colder than last time I checked, so perhaps that could explain part of it. However, I went 4-wheeling this weekend, and at the top of a rather steep bit that I struggled to climb, I could smell coolant when I got out. I have not smelled coolant when getting out before, at least not noticed it.

Does the incline help indicate where I should look first? Could it be coolant pooled in the valley of the V, that then spilled over due to incline?

 

[ttforcefed]

Pcv valve, vacuum pump, crossover pipes and all other coolant pieces.

 

[ftillier]

PCV valves are new (after low coolant warning), but how do they contribute to coolant leak? Is the vacuum pump hooked up to the cooling system too? I know you can leak oil from there.

 

[ttforcefed]

2014 LR4 SCV6 - oil leaking from vacuum pump and upper timing cover on passenger side

Hey all, looks like my LR4 is running into some of the expected SDV6 oil leak issues. I've had spotting on the driveway, from the passenger side of the skid plate. Took it to the dealer and they said the vacuum pump is leaking and upon further inspection the upper timing cover is leaking as...

www.landroverworld.org

 

[ftillier]

That's still oil leak related, not coolant. What am I missing?

 

[M32H32IS]

Do you have the ability to pressure test the system?

 

[ftillier]

Not at the moment but I'm open to acquiring required tools, with recommendations welcome.

 

[scapistron]

Order an aftermarket coolant cap and epoxy/ silicone an air compressor ****** onto it. Dial your compressor up to 25-30 psi and start spraying soapy water on everything.

 

[16FujiDisco]

This thing works good too; LR4s aren’t on the list but I can confirm it fits our tank

https://a.co/d/1zY7Zoo

 

[RoverTide]

My 2 cents from my LR4 cooling system experience (documented on this forum)... Pressure testing the cooling system is a good idea, for sure. However, in my case, for whatever reason, the cooling system passed the pressure test, but did not tell me that I was losing coolant through one or more combustion chambers. Before throwing time and money at cooling system investigations and repairs, I would suggest doing a cheap exhaust gas test on the coolant tank. I so wish I would have done that first.

I used this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/diagnostic-testing-scanning/compression-pressure-testers/leak-detectors/combustion-leak-detector-64814.html