Land Rover Repair: Overheating 2002 Disco II, coolant water, pipe tip

Question
Hello John,

Hopefully you can shed some light on this over heating problem.

2002 Disco II with 68,000 miles.

Started over heating a while back. On the first occasion of over heating I pulled over, let it cool down and added some water and was on my way. After a week or two, it happened again. Take it to a local mechanic and have the T-stat changed out. Works for a few weeks and then the same thing. Each time this happens the "check engine" light comes on a few days before the overheating occurs. The "check engine" light goes out after adding coolant/water and running ok for a day or two. After topping of my coolant, I can usually run a few weeks with out a problem.

Other things I've noticed:

1) if the AC is on I get a drip inside the car on the passenger side, running down to the floor mats.

2) most recently I got back in my car as a passenger and "hot" drips hit my left leg (ouch).

3) I park in the same place at night and there is no "puddle" under my car.

What do you recommend as a next step ?

I'm out of Wty and I'm phobic about going to the LR dealer.  

Answer
Hi Tony,

it could be a plugged radiator, the vicous fan is no longer working, air blockage somewhere in the cooling system.  The water dripping into the passenger footwell is a common problem as usually associated with the drainage line for the AC - the tiny pipe tip can get clogged with gunk and the water backs up into the footwell.  

Hot water in the footwell is unusual.  Could be a blockage and leak.  Strange that there is no puddle under your Disco.

Good news:  At least the water temperature sensor is working.

Bad news: Its probably the radiator.  Locate a rad specialist and have them test it out.  Rebuilding your rad is about 75% less than a new one from the dealer.

Best of luck,

JohnMc