Strange thing happened this morning. Got into the car, pressed the starter, 1 second delay then started normally. On the info screen between speedo and rev counter got Low Coolant Level warning. It flashed on and off once every couple of seconds. We're away with the caravan in a rural area near Chester. Estimate it dropped to -2oC last night. Drove 100 yards, got out and looked at the reservoir under the bonnet. It was about 3 or 4mm under the MIN level in the header. Drove about a mile to a car park and stopped. Looked at reservoir again. Now about 3 mm above the MIN line and no messages on the screen.
As the engine wasn't properly warm yet (needle just off the bottom stop) would a temp of -2oC cause such a drop and is the float that sensitive in the reservoir ? I'll be checking later this week when it's forecast to be about 9 degrees during the day.
I checked my manual and it says a Texaco grade of AF. It's orange colour in the reservoir so assume it's not the standard red or blue stuff available cheap most places. Saw it on eBay for £8 a litre.
Bit disappointed as it was serviced in October (at my regular indie in Congleton). Perhaps they should have spotted it ? What's the schedule for complete replacement ?
Thanks in advance for thoughts/suggestions. FL2 2007 57 GS
D2 2005 Td5 - gone and not missed
FL1 2005 Td4 - gone and missed

I had similar just added a dash of water

Didn't find it scary in the slightest  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I know, I'm such a scaredy-knickers but warnings like this (thankfully) don't happen often to me. I'm sure it'll be fine until I get home Thursday. FL2 2007 57 GS
D2 2005 Td5 - gone and not missed
FL1 2005 Td4 - gone and missed

mine did the same shortly after I bought it. Was just a shade low but enough to trigger the warning. Only when cold though. Topped up with LR coolant & been stable ever since. Monitor the level to reassure yourself its not using any

Jonathan, you sound like you need a nice cup of camomile tea

Exactly the same happened to me a couple of weeks ago. No warnings the next day despite the level being down.
Spoke to my dealer who advised topping it up with water and keeping an eye on it.

This can be scary! But then I have own an MG with a K-series engine. Losing coolant is a sign of the famous HGF which mine had at just 32000 miles. Presume FL2 engines are made of sterner stuff?

Frenchie,

Had the same on my 1400 Rover 214 but fitted the modified head gasket plus new bolts and whist at it the modified Inlet/exhaust gasket and ran it hard on business/road rallies for another 100k before disposing of it with no further problems.

Whilst on the subject has anyone in the Merseyside area got a K series motor 1400 0r 1600 which would be suitable for a Rover 25 as we are thinking of turning one into a quick road rally car.
PM me if you can help.

Cheers,

Bill Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

Sounds like fun Bill!

Might be worth contacting mg rover mobile mechanics, in derby, they may have some engine bits.

Ford use the pink anti freeze cheaper then the land rover stuff, I get a 5l container topped up at my local garage who has a large drum of the pink ford stuff which contains no silicates for £10 which is cheap.
You can also purchase a new Universal yellow anti freeze made by Prestone that can be mixed with any type of anti freeze which is silicone free.

http://www.racshop.co.uk/travel-touring/wi...tAodtFIAfw

Last edited by turboextreme on 17th Jan 2015 4:45 pm. Edited 2 times in total

For info, Cooling system is 8 litres, mix of 50/50 with any antifreeze that is 'silicate' free. Silicate attacks seals and has poor heat transfer and most European antifreeze contains silicate, but its everyones choice.