Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8 › Workshop guide › Coolant drain, flush & refill

Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8: coolant drain, flush & refill

Cooling · Range Rover P38 (1994–2002) · 1994–2002

How often: every 2 yrs. Old antifreeze stops protecting against corrosion. Aluminium heads, heater matrices and water pumps suffer first.

Coolant	≈11.3 L, 50% OAT antifreeze (aluminium engine: keep the mix strong)

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 (≈11.3 L, 50% OAT antifreeze (aluminium engine: keep the mix strong))
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 (≈11.3 L, 50% OAT antifreeze (aluminium engine: keep the mix strong)). 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 Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8 servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Plugs, leads & ignition timing every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel injection checks & fuel filter 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 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
Borg Warner transfer box & viscous coupling check every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Air suspension check (EAS) every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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