Disappearing coolant

[Pete1982]

Hi everyone, I have just had to top up the coolant for the second time on my 09 XF-R in 3 or 4 months. Only done about 1500 miles in that time.
So obviously I'm starting to think the worst about head gaskets. Is there any obvious signs on the 5.0L engines that should be looked for to confirm or discount a head gasket? I know in older cars the oil would often milk up or steam or white smoke would be seen from the exhaust, I dont know if these indications are valid on modern engines.
Any pointers?

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

If it were head gasket, you would be topping it up every few days not months

have a look under the car, might have to remove under tray, you should see some staining and follow

also check around the radiator, also a posibility, but might be a weeping hose, also check expansion tank, there a common fail on other models

cheers

Joe

 

[David6255]

Maybe water pump as well seeping

[Pete1982]

Had the coolant leak diagnosed as water pump leak. Meh. Better than the head gasket(s) though so kinda happy!

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi Pete

Yes much cheaper, there allways a weep hole on the water pump and when the mechanical seal fails thats where it drips from

if yours is a V8 like mine, the water pump is very reasonably priced and easy to change, so less labor time

cheers

Joe