Hi All,
I've got a 97 Disco 1 with 177K miles on it. It's been (and continues to be) a reliable beast, but it's oil leakage is beginning to annoy my wife and neighbors. I'm looking at getting the Valve Cover gaskets and Head Gaskets replaced (at a minimum) and am not up to the task of doing it myself. I've found a mechanic that I feel pretty good about, but he's not a LR specialist. We've talked about different approaches to tightening up the engine and I would appreciate the advice of some folks who really know their **** when it comes to Discos.

Currently the engine performance, so far as I can tell, is good. I'm sure I'm burning some oil, but have had no issues whatsoever with overheating and the coolant doesn't seem to be disappearing.

All of his quotes include a "heavy" cleaning of the engine and lots of wiggle room for replacing components as we dig into the engine.

Option 1: Valve cover gaskets and Head Gasket replacement only - $2500-3000
Option 2: Valve cover gaskets, head gaskets, timing cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets - $3000-3500

Also, any advice on gasket kits to get the most time before another Head Gasket replacement? (I was considering the Atlantic British Kit). Anything else major I should tackle during this job?

Thank you!

 

You must really love that truck. They just aren't worth that much (sadly) and putting $3,500 into a truck will return almost nothing in market value. Most of the folks around here will tell you to sell it (to them of course).

I for one would start with the valve covers and a good cleaning.

 

Check the OEM baffle in the passenger valve cover to make sure it isn't clogged along with the nipple at the intake. To much crankcase pressure = engine will seep oil from everywhere.

 

I do love it! thanks for the advice!

 

Listen to these guys, they know their stuff and they take care of their Discos!
With that being said do you know the exact places of the leaks? You can replace your own valve cover gaskets. You will need an 8mm 12point socket for the screws.