Rover's in need of some Rx

[Cincy1]

My '00 Disco is a little under the weather and I am hoping there are some Rover Docs in here who might be able to give me a diagnosis. I had noticed for a short time that my truck was drinking up coolant, as I had been needing to keep an eye on the reservoir and top off regularly, although no puddles ever formed under the truck. Also, the check engine light's been on almost continuously, and AutoZone pulled the code, suggesting it was one of two (or both) post-cat O2 sensors. Well, last night she really caught a virus: the once-constantly lit engine light is now blinking constantly; the engine is running horribly, as if it needs a serious tune up; there's enough vapor in the exhaust to make the exhaust look like one of those Halloween season theme park fog machines at night; and water (coolant?) is inexplicably spitting and sputtering from the connection where the right side exhaust manifold meets the exhaust pipe, in front of the pre-cat O2 sensor. The engine hadn't gotten too hot before I got it home; the needle never left the normal operating range. Weird, I know, but those are the symptoms. Any ideas, suggestions, folk remedies, witch doctor chants, prayers, or do-it-yourself rituals to try before I (gasp) take her to the Land Rover dealer? She's needed little work in the past, but I've personally only owned it for 3 years. It's got 120k on the clock. Thanks a bunch for any thoughts!

[Savannah Buzz]

The flashing lights mean stop driving me, something bad is happening. From your descriptions, the coolant in the combustion chambers is causing massive misfires, and could damage catalytic converters. But that is the least of your problems, as this looks very much like head gaskets.

The gauge does not indicate overheat because your coolant is so low that all that is near the temperature sensor is steamy air. You will find it much cheaper at a good indy shop. If you want to DIY, the parts are $300 and the machine shop to flatten the heads is $200.

[Cincy1]

Gotchya. Thanks for the quick response. A reputable indy repair shop is about 10 miles away. Is it safe to drive this distance after replenishing the reservoir?

[atancreti]

I second this^^^^. Unfortunately you have all the symptoms of a head gasket issue! Read some threads on how to do the head gaskets. Also, look at rave. Then ask yourself how mechanically inclined you are and if you want to tackle this task. IF you go to to a dealer, prepare for over $2000 in cost.
MY $0.02 worth

[Cincy1]

YAY! A blown head gasket! Christmas has come early! LOL.... Doing it myself, I'm sure I could tackle it. The 'where' is the bigger issue. I'm not too sure my neighbors would appreciate me ripping open the engine in my driveway. They're kinda snooty that way.

[Savannah Buzz]

An indy HG job is $1500 - $1700, so a $75 tow to keep from further damage could be good. But if you fill the jug, then drive a short distance, then fill again, etc., and never get over 9:00 on the temp gauge. Drive slow, not freeway. Carry case of bottled water or jugs of distilled water water with you, not stop at gas stations. Open cap slowly with a rag to relieve pressure (if any) and avoid scalding water on you.

[Disco Mike]

You might want to PM me your number so I can walk you thru what to do and check before you decide on a direction to take.