Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Discovery 1 300Tdi › Workshop guide › Coolant drain, flush & refill

Land Rover Discovery 1 300Tdi: coolant drain, flush & refill

Cooling · Discovery 1 (1989–98) · 1994–1998

How often: every 3 yrs. Old antifreeze stops protecting against corrosion. Aluminium heads, heater matrices and water pumps suffer first.

Coolant	≈11.1 L, 50% ethylene-glycol antifreeze

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Antifreeze concentrate (≈11.1 L, 50% ethylene-glycol antifreeze)
Hoses & clips (if needed) (replace any soft, swollen or cracked hoses)

Tools

Drain tray
Garden hose
Screwdrivers
Hydrometer or refractometer

Step by step

Work on a cold engine only. Remove the expansion tank or radiator cap slowly.
Open the radiator drain (or remove the bottom hose) and the cylinder block drain tap or plug. Set the heater to hot.
Flush with clean water until it runs clear. Squeeze every hose: replace any that feel soft, crunchy or swollen.
Check the radiator fins, fan blades and (where fitted) the viscous coupling. A viscous fan should turn with some resistance when the engine is warm.
Refill with a 50% antifreeze mix (≈11.1 L, 50% ethylene-glycol antifreeze). Fill slowly to avoid air locks; on coil-sprung models use the bleed screw on the thermostat housing or radiator top where fitted.
Run the engine to working temperature with the cap off (or loose), top up as the level drops, refit the cap and check again when cold.

More Land Rover Discovery 1 300Tdi servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Timing belt, tensioner & idler every 60,000 mi or 5 yrs
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Automatic gearbox fluid & filter change every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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