Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series I 2.0 diesel › Workshop guide › Coolant drain, flush & refill

Land Rover Series I 2.0 diesel: coolant drain, flush & refill

Cooling · Series I (1948–58) · 1957–1958

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

Coolant	≈10.4 L (2¾ US gal), 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 (≈10.4 L (2¾ US gal), 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 (≈10.4 L (2¾ US gal), 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 Series I 2.0 diesel servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 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
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Heater plug & starting check every 12,000 mi or year
Injector test & service every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check 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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