Land Rover Repair: 97 Disco, coolant leak, coolant leak, high temperatures

Question
I have a leak (fast drip) at the block behind the water pump.  I think it is the timing cover.  The leak is at the top of the cover on the drivers side of the block.  Is this a typical location for a blown gasket or do I have a more serious problem?  The engine did overheat and stall on a very hot day about a month before this leak started.

Answer
Hi Jared,

sounds like the gasket is blown on the water pump. It is not as expensive to repair as, for example, a headgasket ($2000).  At this point, I doubt it is serious - unless you drove the vehicle for a long period under extremely high temperatures*.

If you are interested in fixing this yourself, send me an email (include engine type) an I'll reply with some techsheets I have.  Otherwise, I think most local garages can replace the gasket and seal involved in this problem.  

Best of luck,
JohnMc
[email protected]

NB*: The cause for concern is with the cylinder liners becoming loose.  This can happen when the engine overheats under extremely high temperatures.  The liners can come loose and drop, resulting in loss of power, engine noise, overheating...  When this happens, the engine is either replaced or the block is rebored, etc.  Either way, its expensive ($4500 to $8000). SO don't run the engine at extreme temps!!!