So I finally got the heads off and down to the head gasket. But, I'm needing a little help finding where the gasket/s blew, as I'm a total newbie to this.

I see a blown out patch of gasket between cylinders 1 and 3. There's gasket material still on the block there. On the passenger side gasket, I see a lot of decayed gasket around the head bolt holes at cylinders 2 and 8. Do you think this is enough to be the culprit? I didn't personally do a compression test, but I had white smoke out the exhaust pipe, and a well reviewed indy shop in town said it had a blown HG.

Also, the gaskets have the Land Rover emblem on them. Are you able to purchase factory LR gaskets anymore? I'm just trying to date when they were last changed, since the previous owner was less than helpful with its history. The Disco has only 128k on it and was a Florida car, so the body is 100% rust free.

I don't "see" any indication of a slipped liner. They all appear flush with one another and with the top of the block. I'm planning on removing the front cover tomorrow and replacing the water pump, fan/clutch, and timing chain, as well as lifters and cam. Guess I was just worried about something really bad like a cracked block and wanted to see if you guys are seeing something I'm not.

 

the spot you mention is definitely enough to cause or be trouble, clean everything up good, follow the torque specs ...that usually come with the gaskets....if there arent any follow the rave manual. Did this engine overheat that you know of ??.......either way get the heads cleaned / checked/ valves done at a reliable machine shop...should be around $200...but money well spent,...if the liners all look even then your'e probably okfn...

 

I don't believe it was overheated, but I don't know for sure. I haven't found any coolant leaks, and when I did run the truck (before knowing about the gasket), it did not overheat, nor did the temperature rise quickly.

I was planning on getting the heads/valves done soon so I can get it all back together and enjoy my Rover.

 

It's the front cover gasket...it always is for chocolate shake.