Well, the car went for an MOT (it passed) and I was told it has a coolant leak which I knew about,
I said find the leak and fix it, simple you would think?

It's the thermostat housing I am told? The problem is the replacement part has been modified by JLR and will not fit on 2012 4.4 we have to modify it to fit? (hose matching new with old)

I then said can you do it, the reply is we are doing another car that has the same problem and we don't know how long it's going to take us to give you a quote, even JLR have no idea?
I trust this Inde they only do JLR work.

So, JLR that's another fine mess you have got me into.

Perfectly normal for the thermostat housings to begin leaking around the plastic welds. The rest sounds like a bit of nonsense to me. The design on the 3.6 housing varied slightly but not significantly so likely to be a similar story for the 4.4.

I've changed the thermostat housing on the 3.6 TDV8 and the 4.4 TDV8 is a less complex job to replace because the manifold isn't so much of a pig to remove (which is where most of the time is removing heatshields, wiring looms, injector plugs etc just to get to it).

On the 3.6 it was a 6 hour job on the driveway to replace the thermostat housing. The 4.4 TDV8 is much easier so, I'd say 5 hours max on a driveway, 4 hours max in a proper garage. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Gary, Thanks for the heads up, I think I might have ago at it myself.

It's not an overly difficult job.

Just make sure you have a good pair of hose clip pliers (you'll be swearing if not), some water or silicone based lube (might take some explaining why youve got the Durex out but a very light smear around the necks on the thermostat housing and the around the outer end of the hose will work wonders with getting the hoses back on and clips back on hassle free) and a selection of sockets, extensions, mole grips, adjustable spanners etc. And also have some assorted hose clips / stainless jubilee clips ready in case any deform when being removed and need replacing.

A heat gun / hairdryer will also help with flexing some of the hoses back onto the new housing.

Remember to drain down the cooling system first. This also gives a good opportunity to change the coolant for new. 50/50 red stuff with de-ionised water. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

All taken on board will give it a go, I will check out the WM first to locate it?

Thanks again Gary

Front of the engine block inside the V, in-between the fan and oil cooler.

If you look down from the front of the engine bay down the sides of the manifold, you'll see it with all the pipes going to and from it. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Thanks mate your a star