OK a bit of a newbie but here's my situation. 130K miles on a 04' Disco, no oil usage, runs good with exception last 10K miles it has had the sleeve knock at low RPM's. The past couple weeks I've had to add a jug of anti freeze a week, so likely a blown head gasket.

I took it to a reputable shop, was told bad engine and a short block Land Rover replacement would be $11K! Wow! Based on the short block costing something around $5K this appears way out of line.

I'm looking for some advise on other alternatives. I'm wanting to put another 100K on the odometer so clearly love the Discovery.

 

Engine 2003 Land Rover Discovery 4 6L Motor with 56 000 Miles | eBay

Engine Land Rover 2003 03 2004 04 4 6L 755849 | eBay


2004 Land Rover Discovery Engine Motor Vin 9 4 6 4 6L | eBay

 

Deff need a second and third opinion!

I would not consider that a reputable shop. Was it a LR specialty indy shop?

Sounds more like a "foreign car shop" who see land rover drivers as a walking talking open wallet about to make the down payment on their new boat.

I've been told three times I need a new engine.

Find an independent LR specialist or two and get more info. Find out exactly what the damage is. Depending on where you are the head gaskets should be between $1500 and $2500. Once the heads are off you can determine where the ticking came from and if you do indeed need an engine. The ticking could be anything from exhaust escaping from the HG to low oil pressure to dirty lifters etc. Many other possibilities than the slipped sleeve/cracked block worst case scenario.

Most importantly, don't pay anyone 11k to find out!

 

if it is time for a new reconditioned motor - don't waste time with a non reconditioned.
look at
Cannibal V8
Turner
Atlantic British
Great Plains

 

I had a very good experience with Turner. Shipping from England wasn't hard to navigate and they were extremely professional. I love the H180 Cam, and if I could do it again would get the gas flowed Cylinder heads as well.

 

Scratch Great Plains - heard they are out of business. Website is DOA

 

Thanks everyone for the help. A little additional search and I located a Land Rover only service shop, Platinum Motor Sports in LaGrange, Ky. With some luck I'll have a better plane of action.

 

They do good work, bought my rover from them and had them throw new headgaskets on it before I brought it home as a preventive measure. 4 years later still running fine. For sure a trustworthy place.

 

If you are looking at headgaskets at $3,000 then look at getting a used LR3.
Seriously.